Billionaire Money Tries to Shake a Local Democrat’s Campaign

The race for California’s 12th Assembly seat is heating up, with a new 30‑second ad spotlighting Democrat Jackie Elward—a two‑term Rohnert Park City Council member backed by workers’ unions.

The Ad

• Target: Elward’s role in a city vote that raised water rates for Rohnert Park.
• Claim: Higher water bills and gas prices stem from her decisions.
• Message Cut‑Down: “Pay now or pay more later.”
• Response: Elward insists the rate hike was essential to avoid larger future costs and that the city had no choice but to invest now.

Funding

• Spent: ~$500,000 by Grow California.
• Backers: Crypto founders Chris Larsen and Tim Draper.
• Goal: Shift California lawmakers toward tech‑friendly policies, including a billionaire tax plan.
• Strategy: Target candidates supporting unions and progressive policies while pushing business interests.

Broader Impact

The 12th District spans Marin County and most of Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa.
The campaign underscores how money can shape local politics while voters demand fairness and community‑focused solutions.