New Evidence Bolsters Allegations of Pay-to-Play Fundraising by Honda

Press Release

A resident of the 17th district today shared additional evidence suggesting Congressman Mike Honda's office likely engaged in a "pay-to-play" fundraising scheme. Karl Mehta was invited by Honda's team to attend an official State Department event and was subsequently solicited for donations to the Congressman's campaign. As has been widely reported over the last several weeks, numerous internal emails from Congressman Honda's Chief of Staff indicate that Rep. Honda's congressional office likely conspired with campaign staff to solicit donations from the South Asian community through invitations to the State Department event.

"I was excited to be invited to the State Department roundtable event, but it seemed odd that I was targeted by Mike Honda's fundraisers shortly after attending," said Karl Mehta of Fremont. "I had never donated to the Congressman before and we didn't have any previous relation. It felt like I was obligated to give him money because I accepted his invitation. The whole situation left a really bad taste in my mouth and I'm glad this abuse of power is getting the exposure it deserves."

The House Ethics Committee has been criticized for lacking urgency and transparency in previous investigations. This unacceptable lack of accountability for members of Congress -- coupled with extensive perks and privileges -- helps to explain their historically low approval ratings.

"The House Ethics Committee has a responsibility to issue an expedited ruling on these serious allegations," said Ro Khanna. "Voters have a right to evaluate their findings prior to casting their ballots. A failure by the Committee to investigate this quickly and transparently will only grow the trust deficit between the people and their elected representatives."

Congressman Honda has admitted that his chief-of-staff "misstepped," and his campaign has enlisted the services of a leading crisis communications firm, but he has refused to apologize to his constituents or hold anyone in his office accountable.

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