Breaking Now News: Battle Heats Up for Alameda County Supervisor Seat

Emeryville City Councilmember John Bauters has raised significantly more funds than Nikki Fortunato Bas in the race for the county supervisor seat. Despite this, numerous labor unions are throwing their support behind the Oakland council president. An independent committee, backed by the deputy sheriffs union, has also formed to support Bauters' campaign.

The two local leaders, Bas and Bauters, will go head-to-head in the November election for the Alameda County Board of Supervisors District 5 seat. With the current officeholder, Keith Carson, not seeking reelection after over 30 years, the stakes are high. District 5 covers North and West Oakland, along with Emeryville, Piedmont, Berkeley, and Albany.

In the March primary, Bas led the way with 34% of the vote, compared to Bauters' 21%. However, since neither candidate reached the necessary 50%, a runoff election is set for November 5 to determine the winner.

Bauters Gets Boosts from Tech, Housing, and Oakland Donors

• Jesse Pollak, a cryptocurrency entrepreneur, contributed $40,000 to Bauters' campaign.
• Fred Bauters and Maryam Asefineiad also made significant donations.
• Top executives at Y Combinator and Yelp showed their support as well.

On the other hand, Bas is receiving strong support from labor unions like SEIU Local 1021, the California Nurses Association, and the Building and Construction Trades Council. Progressive groups representing Asian American interests are also backing Bas.

What do you think?

• Do you believe campaign funding influences election outcomes?
• Should candidates disclose all their donors?
• Is it ethical for unions to financially support political candidates?