Mike Schaefer's Re-Election Campaign Committee Donates Single-Largest Contribution to Political Action Committee That Solely Donates to Republican, Conservative Causes

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 - Leaders of the San Diego County Young Democrats and the San Diego Democrats for Equality are calling for Board of Equalization Member Mike Schaefer to be removed from the Party's Central Committee and defeated at the polls after uncovering a $30,000 donation on August 19, 2022 from Schaefer's re-election campaign committee made to Citizens for a Better East County, which has exclusively donated to radical right-wing causes and the Republican Party.

In 2022, Citizens for a Better East County has made six individual contributions, five contributions are listed on their Form 450 (link) and one contribution to the Republican Party after Schaefer's $30,000 donation is listed on their Form 497 (link). Contributions are listed below with amounts and dates:

• $3,500 - Lincoln Club of San Diego County - January 29, 2022
• $2,500 - Carl DeMaio's Reform San Diego PAC - March 8, 2022
• $3,500 - Lincoln Club of San Diego County - April 21, 2022
• $3,000 - Republican Party of San Diego County - May 27, 2022
• $1,000 - Republican-endorsed candidate Hayes for Lakeside School District - June 30, 2022
• $12,500 - Republican Party of San Diego County - September 12, 2022

Image: Mike Schaefer for Board of Equalization 2022 re-election committee Form 497 contribution of $30,000 to Citizens for a Better East County. Contribution dated August 19, 2022.

Image: Citizens for a Better East County CBEC committee Form 497 contribution of $12,500 to Republican Party of San Diego County. Contribution dated September 12, 2022.

San Diego County Young Democrats President Codi Vierra’s statement:

“Board of Equalization Member Mike Schaefer has betrayed the Democratic Party. His contributions to a PAC which funnels money to right-wing causes including the Republican Party is a slap in the face to every Democratic voter and the many activists, volunteers, and supporters who work every day to uplift our Democratic values and candidates.”

San Diego Democrats for Equality President Ryan Trabuco’s statement:

“Just when you think Mike Schaefer couldn't sink below being a convicted, wife-beating slumlord, we find another damnable reason to vote against him. Supporting the Republican Party is cause for removal from Party leadership and another of many reasons for Democratic voters across Southern California to vote for David Dodson for Board of Equalization."

Recently, Mike Schaefer has been in the news for lying about major endorsements from the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. He also has a controversial history including a conviction for spousal abuse, being disbarred as an attorney, being a slumlord in Los Angeles, and having a restraining order filed against him several years ago by 3-time Emmy-winning actor and comedian Brad Garrett.

The San Diego County Young Democrats and San Diego Democrats for Equality are calling on Democratic elected officials and leaders, the California Democratic Party, and the Democratic Parties of San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Imperial, and San Bernardino counties to withdraw their endorsements, and not spend any Party money on promoting the controversial candidacy of Mike Schaefer. Both Democratic clubs have endorsed Democrat David Dodson, and have rated Democratic incumbent Mike Schaefer as unacceptable.

The San Diego County Young Democrats is one of the largest Young Democratic Clubs in the state representing Democrats aged 13 – 35.

The San Diego Democrats for Equality is one of San Diego’s largest Democratic Clubs representing the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in the Democratic Party.

Media Contacts: Ryan Darsey

Phone: 619.796.2726

E-mail: [email protected]