How Garcetti is spreading wealth and influence across the U.S. with his ‘Victory Fund’

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti arrives at a meeting with the Asian and Latino Coalition at the statehouse in Des Moines, Iowa, in April. The Democratic Midterm Victory Fund — Garcetti’s most ambitious fundraising endeavor yet to help his party — is boosting the mayor’s national profile and allowing him to forge alliances with party leaders as he considers a long-shot bid for the White House. As mayor, “I need a majority that reflects the city’s values to help on immigration, on the environment, on trade, whatever it is,” Garcetti said. Rick Jacobs, a Garcetti advisor who helps run the Democratic Midterm Victory Fund, said the Republican Party has invested deeply in state parties and candidates, which has helped that party “win again and again.” “Our strategy is really straightforward,” Jacobs said. “This is a crisis and he’s not acting like it’s an emergency.” Robb said “it’s very important for the mayor to help elect people who will help L.A. and the rest of the country address the national homelessness crisis and tackle other pressing problems.” Michael Barth, president of the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, said Angelenos “are hungry for change at the national level.” “Fundraising for Democratic Party operations and candidates at all levels is a crucial ingredient in making change happen,” Barth said.