California Democrats using Cardi B and charging thousands to haul in campaign cash

In a fierce election year when campaign cash is flying all over California with reckless abandon, three Democratic women state legislators are using progressive hip hop star Cardi B to get that money.

A report on campaign fundraisers shows that state Assemblymembers Blanca Rubio, Jessica Caloza and Tina McKinnor — who each represent parts of Los Angeles — are all charging thousands of dollars for tickets to Cardi’s concert Wednesday at Golden One Center in Sacramento.

It’s not unusual for politicians to tie fundraisers to concerts or sporting events, but anyone complaining about online ticket bots jacking up prices should get a look at these political scalpers.

Caloza’s campaign is offering a single ticket for $3,000, while McKinnor’s price point is $2,500 a head. Meanwhile, Rubio’s campaign is charging $3,000 per ticket — or $5,000 for two — for the performance.

A glance at StubHub on Wednesday morning showed upper-level seats listed between $207 and $232, including fees, while “prime view” seats were posted between $1,478 and $1,806. A premium section ticket was listed as high as $2,322.

There is no indication that Cardi B herself is affiliated with any of the fundraisers. Instead, the candidates appear to be using the Grammy-winning rapper as a draw for deep-pocketed donors.

The three Assembly members did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Cardi B, born Belcalis Almánzar, has become an outspoken progressive voice in recent years. She endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary and later endorsed Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign in 2024.

She has frequently criticized President Trump and weighed in on issues such as policing, economic inequality, and immigration policy. While she has said she’s still learning the political ropes, her public positions have aligned closely with Democratic priorities.

However, she told Billboard last fall that she has receded from politics after Trump returned to the White House.​

“You know the reason why I’ve been so silent about politics? It’s because when I used to complain the past four years, I know for a fact that people watch my stuff. I know it,” she said. “I know the White House watches my stuff. I have a big platform. I know they listen to what I say. I might not say it the prettiest way, but I know they listen to what I’m saying.”