Gov. Gavin Newsom’s fundraising practices for Los Angeles wildfire relief are under scrutiny after his website directed donors through ActBlue, a Democratic Party political action committee and fundraising platform.

ActBlue, founded in 2004, gained significant popularity among political candidates, with all 2020 Democratic presidential primary contenders using the platform to raise funds.

Related Story: What Ignited the Deadly California Wildfires? Investigators Consider an Array ...

Fear of Donations Going to Newsom’s PAC

On Gov. Newsom’s website there lives a section called “California Fire Facts.” This page is aimed at countering negative narratives about wildfires and their connection to Gov. Newsom’s policies.

At the top of the page, a prominent button directs users to donate to the Cal Fire Foundation.

The donation page includes a message stating, “Your donation will go directly towards supporting firefighters and the communities they serve, including direct financial support to impacted residents.”

The page also has “Campaign for Democracy,” Gov. Newsom’s political action committee, as the most prominent part of the form, making some online users feel like the donations are going to Gov. Newsom instead.

A spokesperson for Gov. Newsom told GV Wire, “Not a cent of these donations go to Gavin Newsom or his PAC. Gov. Newsom is proud to have raised $550,000 for the Fire Foundation in small dollar contributions during these fires and is grateful for the people across the nation who have come together to help Californians in their time of need.” 

Marketing Ties to Donation Form

Visitors who have passed that stage and are attempting to donate to the Cal Fire Foundation are prompted to enter their phone numbers in an optional field. However, those who provide their numbers, which some do without thinking, are automatically added to a text messaging list for campaign updates.

A disclaimer at the bottom of the page reads, “By providing your cell phone number, you consent to receive periodic campaign updates through automated text messages from Gavin Newsom’s Campaign for Democracy. For SMS, Msg & Data rates may apply. Text HELP for help, STOP to end.”

Some online users expressed concern over being automatically opted into campaign marketing. However, the donation form specifies that providing a phone number is optional.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.