SF GATE: 49ers Pour Money into Santa Clara Elections, Eye Local Control of Santa Clara
The San Francisco 49ers have contributed over $1.5 million to independent expenditure committees supporting and opposing candidates in the Santa Clara City Council race, including incumbents Kevin Park and Suds Jain, and newcomers George Guerra and Albert Gonzalez. This is part of the team’s continued involvement in local politics, which began in 2020. Currently, five of the seven council members are backed by the 49ers. The team has not extended support to former ally Anthony Becker, who is facing felony perjury charges for leaking a confidential report in 2022 and lying about it under oath.
Story Grade:
Sports reporter Gabe Fernandez receives a grade of B-minus. He is one of the first reporters to discuss the significance of this election, noting that if the 49ers-supported candidates win, all council members except the mayor will have received indirect support from the team. The article highlights the spending disparity, with the 49ers contributing $1,564,374—thirty times the $49,000 contributed by the Related Companies, which supports candidates Satish Chandra, Teresa O’Neill, David Kertes, and Kelly Cox. The article is generally balanced but uses phrases such as “spending spree” and inaccurately implies the 49ers directly fund candidate campaigns, rather than supporting independent expenditure committees. It also incorrectly states that the team took over the soccer park.
The Civil Grand Jury’s report, which claims the council majority prioritizes the 49ers’ interests, is mentioned, though opinions on its findings and assertions about public trust vary. Council and city ethics remain important topics for public discussion.