Embattled California Republican Assemblymember Heath Flora is under scrutiny for allegedly participating in an NFL survivor pool that may have violated state law. Emails obtained by The Post indicate Flora used his official title and work contact information while making picks for a betting contest run through a Sacramento dive bar called Club 2 Me.
According to a former bartender and manager at Club 2 Me, Flora participated in a survivor pool with a $50 buy-in, involving approximately 100 participants. The potential payout for the winner could have reached as high as $5,000 by the end of the season. California law prohibits making or accepting wagers on sporting events, with an exception for friendly betting pools, but caps total prize values at $2,500.
Emails show Flora, then an Assemblymember for the 12th district, communicated with the bar from a personal Gmail account starting in August 2021, requesting to be included in the pool. His messages included a signature with his official title, work address, and Capitol and district office phone numbers. During the 2021 NFL season, Flora made picks for teams including the Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, and Denver Broncos.
Bryan Sullivan, an attorney, stated that California law clearly bars elected officials from betting in an official capacity. "Using an official title in an NFL survivor pool was improper then, and it is unequivocally improper now," Sullivan told The Post.
Flora has been the subject of increased scrutiny, including two ongoing investigations by California's Fair Political Practices Commission. One investigation concerns behested payments, and another alleges misuse of campaign funds. He was recently removed as the GOP minority leader of the state Assembly. This leadership ouster followed a report detailing his extensive bar tabs, controversial tax votes, and allegations of extramarital affairs. His campaign has also been noted for significant spending at bars, including Club 2 Me and Chargins, located near each other and outside the district Flora represents. Thousands of dollars in charges from these establishments have been listed as campaign meetings or fundraisers.
Flora is currently seeking a final two-year term in the state Assembly. In the June primary, he received 30.6% of the vote, the lowest among all incumbent state legislators. Despite this, he remains a favorite to advance in the November runoff in his district, which leans Republican. However, he did not receive endorsements from any local Republican parties for the primary.
The current owner of Club 2 Me, Linda Feil, who took over in February, stated she was unaware of the past gambling activities and that no gambling occurs under her management.