Oakland police union is backing Latino-focused PAC supporting Sheriff Greg Ahern, DA candidate Jimmie Wilson

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Oakland POA entered the Alameda County sheriff and district attorney primary races this week. Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern (left) and Alameda County Prosecutor Jimmie Wilson.

ELECTION 2022

—FOLLOW THE MONEY—The Oakland Police Officer’s Association is applying its union muscle to support Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern’s re-election. The police union contributed $25,000 to a committee named United Latinos Vote PAC on Monday, according to finance records.

—The PAC’s providence is unclear. United Latinos Vote PAC did not receive any contributions this year, and only reported $6,690 in cash on hand through the most recent filing period ending on April 23.

—In addition, the PAC lists just two expenditures this year. Although the PAC is based in Oakland, neither expenditure has a connection to the Bay Area. A total of $15,000 was spent in support of a state Senate candidate in Southern California, and a county supervisorial candidate in Fresno.

—While the PAC’s finance records are fuzzy, it reported spending $40,457 on a mailer in support of Ahern’s campaign on Tuesday, and $13,485 for a mailer in support of Alameda County District Attorney candidate Jimmie Wilson.

—The Oakland police union has been active lately, despite the lack of an Oakland campaign this primary season. Last week, the Oakland POA contributed $10,000 to an IE supporting Contra Costa County District Attorney candidate Mary Knox’s challenge against DA Diana Becton.

—The presence of police union money in both races is bound to upset Alameda County Democratic Party officials. The local Democratic central committee approved a bylaw in 2020 that barred candidates from its endorsement process if they had accepted campaign contributions from law enforcement groups. The aim was to limit the power of Ahern and police unions.

—Last March, Jimmie Wilson faced criticism from Alameda County Democrats for accepting endorsements from law enforcement groups. Despite the blowback, Wilson continued to embrace their support. In fact, Wilson’s first mailer highlights their endorsements.

Note: A correction was made in the above item. Jimmie Wilson did not accept contributions from law enforcement groups, as stated, only their endorsements.

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