Gov. Gavin Newsom's fundraising site draws criticism for linking donations to the Cal Fire Foundation with campaign text message opt-ins. (AP File)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
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.
RELATED TOPICS:
Authorities Still Searching for Suspect in Shooting of 2 Minnesota State Lawmakers
1 day ago
Caitlin Clark Returns and Leads Fever to Upset Win Over Unbeaten Liberty
1 day ago
Israel and Iran Bombard Each Other, Trump Says He Can ‘Easily’ End Conflict
16 hours ago
Trump Vetoed an Israeli Plan to Kill Iran’s Supreme Leader, US Officials Say
16 hours ago
Newsom Wanted To Fast-Track the Delta Tunnel Project. The Legislature Slowed the Flow
17 hours ago
Five Weeknight Dishes: Seven Ingredients or Fewer, Because Summer
19 hours ago
Big Fresno Fair Unveils Second Wave of 2025 Concert Acts
20 hours ago
Military Parade Barrels Through Nation’s Capital With Tanks, Troops and 21-Gun Salute
1 day ago
Authorities Still Searching for Suspect in Shooting of 2 Minnesota State Lawmakers
1 day ago
Caitlin Clark Returns and Leads Fever to Upset Win Over Unbeaten Liberty
1 day ago
Israel and Iran Bombard Each Other, Trump Says He Can ‘Easily’ End Conflict
16 hours ago
Trump Vetoed an Israeli Plan to Kill Iran’s Supreme Leader, US Officials Say
16 hours ago
Newsom Wanted To Fast-Track the Delta Tunnel Project. The Legislature Slowed the Flow
17 hours ago
Five Weeknight Dishes: Seven Ingredients or Fewer, Because Summer
19 hours ago
Big Fresno Fair Unveils Second Wave of 2025 Concert Acts
20 hours ago
Military Parade Barrels Through Nation’s Capital With Tanks, Troops and 21-Gun Salute
1 day ago
Authorities Still Searching for Suspect in Shooting of 2 Minnesota State Lawmakers
1 day ago
Caitlin Clark Returns and Leads Fever to Upset Win Over Unbeaten Liberty
1 day ago
Fresno Man Arrested in Fatal DUI Crash on Trimmer Springs Road
14 hours ago
Categories

Fresno Man Arrested in Fatal DUI Crash on Trimmer Springs Road

Israeli Military Kills 41 People in Gaza, Medics Say

Manhunt for Gunman Who Shot Two Minnesota Lawmakers Enters Second Day

Israel and Iran Bombard Each Other, Trump Says He Can ‘Easily’ End Conflict

Trump Vetoed an Israeli Plan to Kill Iran’s Supreme Leader, US Officials Say

Newsom Wanted To Fast-Track the Delta Tunnel Project. The Legislature Slowed the Flow

Five Weeknight Dishes: Seven Ingredients or Fewer, Because Summer
