Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has outpaced challenger Nithya Raman in overall fundraising ahead of the November 3 runoff election, according to recent campaign finance reports. Bass has raised approximately $3.4 million to date, compared to Raman’s $3 million. In the latest reporting period ending October 17, Bass collected $827,000 in contributions and taxpayer matching funds, outstripping Raman’s $485,000 during the same timeframe.

Despite Bass’s advantage in recent fundraising, Raman maintained a stronger cash position heading into the final days of the campaign, with nearly $1.4 million on hand—more than double Bass’s reported $700,000.

Outside spending has played a decisive role in the mayoral contest, dwarfing the candidates’ own fundraising totals. The Western States Regional Council of Carpenters has contributed over $10 million in support of Raman’s campaign, including a $6 million donation from hedge fund manager Aaron Sosnick. Additional backing for Raman has come from transportation advocacy organizations.

Conversely, a political action committee sponsored by a police union has poured close to $4.8 million into advertisements opposing Raman and endorsing Bass. Bass also enjoys support from the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor as well as various regional building trade unions.

The fundraising report extends to other citywide races, such as city attorney and city council contests, where outside expenditures have similarly exerted significant influence. Candidates in several races have criticized opponents for having the backing of sharply divided political and corporate interests.

As fundraising and outside spending continue to shape the final phase of the election, both Bass and Raman remain locked in a closely watched battle for Los Angeles’s top municipal office.