Despite being the last candidate to enter the race, Small has outraised all other candidates for Culver City Council, drawing in nearly $8,500 per week since joining the race on August 5. He has received significant support from local Culver City residents and businesses alike.
As of the September 19, 2026 fundraising deadline, Former Culver City Mayor Thomas Aujero Small has raised $50,945 in donations. His totals come second only to Culver City Mayor Freddy Puza’s.
“I’m so proud of the work I did the first time I served on the Culver City Council, but I believe Culver City’s best days are still ahead,” said Small. Small is recognized for major accomplishments like playing a key role in the creation of the Culver City Steps and Ivy Station, shutting down the toxic Inglewood Oil Field, implementing Culver City’s first rent protections, and establishing Culver City as a sanctuary city for immigrants for the first time in history.
Small and Puza are both are endorsed by a coalition of local organizations like the Culver City Democratic Club, Sierra Club, and Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. Both candidates are endorsed by Culver City Vice Mayor Bubba Fish, Culver City Council member Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis, as well as many local commissioners.
Notably, Small is also the first Filipino-American to ever serve as Culver City Mayor, and the first Asian-American person to hold city-wide office anywhere in West Los Angeles. This achievement is one of the reasons he was endorsed by the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats and Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County.
With a combination of endorsements from major unions, Democratic Party clubs, environmental organizations, renters’ rights groups, and local elected officials, Small has built a diverse coalition. His fundraising achievement sets him up as a frontrunner in the Culver City Council race.
Olga Lexell/Thomas Small Campaign
Photo credit – Anthony Avellano
