Santa Monica City Council Race Sets Fundraising Record

Total contributions for the upcoming city council election have officially surpassed $1.8 million.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Philanthropy

Isometric editorial illustration showing rising rectangular monoliths of varying heights, representing the record campaign fundraising in Santa Monica. — The Santa Monica City Council race has reached a record $1.8 million in total fundraising as the November general election approaches. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe high campaign spending in your local council race undermines trust in the results?

The Santa Monica City Council race has reached a record $1.8 million in total fundraising as the November general election approaches. Candidates and political action committees opposing the current political establishment have secured the majority of these funds.

Why it matters

The massive influx of capital highlights a significant shift in resources toward challengers in the city's local political landscape. This spending imbalance represents a departure from recent election cycles as the community prepares to vote.

Anti-establishment candidates and PACs raised $1,386,484 and spent $1,069,310, compared to the $419,261 raised and $298,492 spent by establishment-backed campaigns. Total city council race spending has officially exceeded $1.4 million.

The players

Believe In Santa Monica PAC

This political action committee has emerged as a central financial force in the local election cycle.

SMRR

This organization remains an active participant in local Santa Monica political fundraising.

Santa Monica Police Officers Association

This local professional union contributes to city political races through member-driven funding.

The details

The Believe In Santa Monica PAC leads the fundraising effort with $817,000, utilizing resources for digital ads, mailers, and polling. Meanwhile, groups like SMRR have reported $133,617 in funds, and the Santa Monica Police Officers Association raised $29,745 through small contributions from members.

The most recent campaign finance filing period occurred from September 20 to October 17, 2026.
Campaign finance statements were officially filed on October 23, 2026.
The City Council General Election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Market Landscape

This record-breaking funding reflects an attempt to disrupt the existing 6 to 1 establishment-backed council supermajority ratio. By channeling significant capital into canvassing and digital outreach, challengers are actively reshaping the city's political competitive environment.

Residents can expect a significant increase in political mailers, digital advertisements, and direct outreach efforts leading up to the election. These campaign activities are designed to influence voter decisions and may impact the local discourse during the final days of the race.

The takeaway

Record-breaking local election spending demonstrates the high stakes involved for both established leaders and political newcomers. Voters should weigh the influence of outside PAC funding against the stated platforms of individual council candidates.