Airbnb Spent More Than $6 Million Backing L.A. Candidates Who Lost Key Races

LOS ANGELES — Nov. 5, 2026. Short-term rental platform Airbnb invested millions in local political races, but two of the candidates who drew its largest support did not prevail. LAist reported that groups supporting Mayor Karen Bass received more than $4.1 million in Airbnb-related spending while groups backing city attorney candidate John McKinney received roughly $2.1 million.

Two high-profile results

Bass conceded the mayoral contest to City Councilmember Nithya Raman on Thursday. City attorney candidate Marissa Roy also held a substantial lead over McKinney. The spending figures describe expenditures backing candidates and are not evidence that votes were purchased or that election rules were broken.

How short-term rentals became a campaign issue

Under Los Angeles’ current home-sharing framework, a primary residence is generally required for short-term rentals. Airbnb has sought broader eligibility, including some second homes, as the city approaches the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A proposal floated during Bass’ budgeting process to temporarily loosen restrictions did not become law and remained in committee.

Raman opposed reducing short-term-rental restrictions and said she would strengthen enforcement of existing rules. Airbnb’s North American policy representative Nathan Rotman defended the company’s involvement, saying it supported candidates focused on jobs, small businesses, neighborhood services and the visitor economy.

Council seats remain important

According to LAist, Airbnb-related spending also exceeded $1 million for groups supporting Tim Gaspar in City Council District 3 and $300,000 for Jose Ugarte in District 9. Those local contests had close or evolving preliminary counts. Whatever the final council composition, changing the home-sharing ordinance would require legislative and administrative action — not merely the victory of an individual candidate.

Related local reporting: Bass concedes to Raman; Council District 3’s narrow race; District 9 results.

Source: LAist, Nov. 5, 2026. Figures reflect reporting on campaign support expenditures, not certified final outcomes of every local race.

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