The chair of the Los Angeles County GOP, Roxanne Hoge, passionately appealed for support from Republicans to address challenges in California’s Democratic-controlled political environment. She highlighted perceived widespread corruption and questioned the state’s governance. Hoge criticized the intense focus on controlling residents’ lives, claiming that people outside California struggle to understand the situation.

In a discussion with Fox News Digital, Hoge reacted to a viral video featuring Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The mayor’s video discussed a program that matches individual campaign donations sixfold, provoking surprised reactions online. However, Hoge expressed no shock, asserting that such practices are normalized in California.

“The rest of the country doesn’t understand what we’re living under here,” Hoge stated, noting that unconventional electoral processes are codified within local regulations.

The viral social media post by the 72-year-old Mayor Bass mentioned the city’s super match program, wherein donations from Los Angeles residents are matched six-to-one by the city itself. Following the mayoral primary where Republican candidate Spencer Pratt gained notable support, Bass encouraged donations to bolster her campaign.

Users online questioned the legality of the program. Conservative activist Billboard Chris asked, “How is it legal to take money from Los Angeles taxpayers to fund your own re-election campaign?” Similarly, commentator Matt Van Swol expressed confusion over the legality, while others, like author Michael Shellenberger, criticized the program as “grotesque.” Renowned Los Angeles physician and political commentator Houman David Hemmati expressed disbelief at taxpayer funding of Bass’ campaign.

Hoge confirmed the legality of Bass’s matching-funds program under city law. Since 1990, Los Angeles voters approved public campaign financing, which expanded to the current six-to-one matching scheme. This applies to mayoral and City Council campaigns, involving Democratic Socialists of America members.

According to Hoge, the message from Bass represents a longstanding perception that challenging city hall is futile. However, Hoge noted the strong campaign mounted by Spencer Pratt, promoting common sense and governance, which attracted considerable attention.

Despite the political atmosphere, Hoge encouraged Republicans not to dismiss California as hopeless. She emphasized the state’s value and urged for Republican presence and action in the region.

“California is totally worth fighting for because it is an absolute gem,” Hoge said, urging people to remember their freedom to shape their own story in the western state.

Peter Pinedo writes on political topics for Fox News Digital.