PRESS RELEASE – New Data: Big Money’s Impact on Oakland Elections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 27, 2025
CONTACT: Pecolia Manigo, Executive Director, Oakland Rising Action, pecolia@oaklandrisingaction.org, 510-967-3394
Millions in political spending traced to a small group of wealthy backers in Oakland’s 2024 elections
Oakland, CA – New data reveals that a handful of ultra-wealthy tech and venture capital (VC) elites are funding fake “community” groups—such as Empower Oakland and the Abundance Network—to influence Oakland’s voters and serve their own interests. The six key contributors are:
- Philip Dreyfuss ($1.3M)
- Jesse Pollak ($195k)
- Ryan Graciano ($150k)
- Konstantin Richter ($60k)
- Gagan Biyani ($50.5k)
- Ilya Sukhar ($50k)
“We cannot allow organizations posing as grassroots movements to manipulate the public with fear tactics, propping up politicians who champion failed policies designed to serve their wealthy backers. These same failed policies are celebrated by conservative media and right-wing extremists; they take us backward, deepen inequality, and make Oakland less safe,” said Pecolia Manigo, Executive Director of Oakland Rising Action.
Data released today by Phoenix Project and Oakland Rising Action reveals that:
- 100% of Foundational Oakland Unites’s budget came from Philip Dreyfuss. More than half of that money went to recall Mayor Sheng Thao and repeal ranked-choice voting.
- 99% of Abundance Network’s budget came from just 5 donors. More than half of that money went to support Brenda Harbin-Forte for Oakland City Attorney.
- 84% of Revitalize East Bay’s budget came from just 5 donors. About one-third of that money went to support the recall of District Attorney Pamela Price.
- 65% of Empower Oakland’s budget came from just 10 donors. Their main political spending supported Warren Logan for city council.
This effort was part of a broader strategy by a handful of tech VCs, hedge fund investors, and real estate corporations to try to buy Oakland’s election in 2024 by spending $3.8M largely funneled through these front groups – assisted by public safety associations, PG&E, and the Northern California Carpenters Union. But Oakland voters were not easily swayed; only 3 out of 10 campaigns won.
In response to the growing influence of wealthy special interests in local elections, Oakland Rising Action and its partner organizations have advanced measures — including Measure V for building affordable housing, mental health services, Measure W to advance Democracy Dollars, and Measure NN to advance public safety programs rooted in restorative justice — that run counter to the priorities of many of Oakland’s most visible “Astroturf” groups.
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Oakland Rising Action is a community-led political organization focused on supporting candidates and issues that drive a progressive agenda for Oakland’s working-class, immigrant and communities of color living in the flatlands of Oakland. ORA engages in aggressive voter education and GOTV operations that encourage Oakland’s working-class, immigrant, and communities of color to think critically about voting for or against issues, policies and candidates based on our shared vision and values for an Oakland for all.
See research document below:
- Map of all 2024 contributions from the ultra-wealthy backers in question
