Heath Flora, the top Republican in the California Assembly, is facing two state ethics investigations and potential repercussions within his party after joining Democrats to support legislation allowing local sales tax increases. The investigations by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) stem from allegations concerning behested payments and potential misuse of campaign funds.
Flora and fellow Republican Assemblymember Juan Alanis voted in favor of Senate Bill 762 last month, a measure that permits 13 cities and counties to seek voter approval to exceed the state's 2% local sales tax cap. This decision has drawn criticism from within the California Republican Party. Joel Campos, Stanislaus County Republican Party Chairman, expressed disappointment and stated that constituents have voiced their concerns.
Records indicate Flora received low support in the June primary election, obtaining only 30.6% of the vote, the lowest among incumbent state legislators. Several Republican parties within his district reportedly declined to endorse him. Critics have also pointed to Flora's expense reports, citing expenditures at golf courses, Las Vegas trips, and local bars.
One FPPC investigation, initiated in October 2025, is examining behested payments, which are donations where an official acts as an intermediary. State records show Flora has been involved in facilitating over $1.15 million in such payments since May 2023, often from entities with business before the Legislature. A second FPPC complaint, filed on March 4, alleges misuse of campaign funds by Flora, his 2026 reelection committee, and Kelly Lawler, founder of The KAL Group. However, sources indicate Lawler stepped down as treasurer in early 2024, with Flora reportedly managing his own campaign finances since then.
Campaign records reveal frequent expenditures on sporting events and golf outings, described as meetings. However, a significant portion of his documented expenses since April 2025, totaling over $11,500 across 54 tabs, were recorded as "District Meeting" charges at Chargins’ Bar & Grill, a local establishment. Flora reportedly incurred multiple charges at the bar on the same day on several occasions, including dates when the Legislature was in session.
Flora's tenure as GOP minority leader has faced previous challenges. Reports surfaced last year regarding an affair with a former lobbyist, Emily Hughes, and accusations of missing child support payments. Questions were also raised about his residency, with concerns that he was not living within his district.
Hughes has stated that Flora frequently drinks while on duty and allegedly misuses campaign funds, describing him as someone who "routinely drinks on the job." A source within the GOP caucus confirmed that Flora has a reputation for drinking during official business at the Capitol, noting that he "always has alcohol on his breath."
The vote on Senate Bill 762 has become a point of contention for the Republican party's messaging on affordability during the election cycle. Sources suggest that Flora's leadership position may be jeopardized by these controversies, with some indicating he is more favored by lobbyists than by his own party leadership for strategic planning.