California Attorney General Investigates Influencer Endorsements in Gubernatorial Race

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that his office is investigating whether candidates running for governor are compensating internet personalities for endorsements. This follows multiple complaints regarding the lack of disclosure by influencers about their endorsements. In an interview with KCRA 3, Bonta stated that his office has received complaints and will review them to determine if further action is necessary. However, he noted that issues related to campaign disclosures are primarily under the jurisdiction of the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), which is responsible for ensuring compliance with campaign finance laws. Bonta emphasized the FPPC's role in overseeing campaign expenditures and disclosures. The investigation comes amid allegations against billionaire candidate Tom Steyer, whose campaign reportedly paid influencers, including Isaiah “Zayy Dante” Washington, who allegedly did not disclose their paid endorsements as required by California law. In 2023, a law was enacted requiring online creators to disclose payments for political endorsements, aimed at increasing transparency in political advertising. Steyer's campaign has been scrutinized for spending significant amounts on influencer marketing, while his competitor, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, has denied paying influencers for promotion, claiming that any support he receives is organic. Bonta did not indicate whether complaints have been made regarding influencer promotions in the Los Angeles mayoral race.