Manteca Mayor Gary Singh is under scrutiny after a campaign video he posted on social media featured a local chiropractor offering a $50 discount to individuals who voted for Singh in the upcoming November election. The video, which has since been removed, has led to a request for an investigation into potential election law violations.
Jacob Naven, Singh's Republican challenger, reposted the video and initiated the call for a public-integrity inquiry with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. California law, specifically Elections Code § 18522, prohibits offering or promising anything of value to induce someone to vote for a particular candidate, classifying such acts as misdemeanors or felonies. Federal law also addresses similar offenses related to federal elections.
Singh, a Democrat, stated that the offer was made independently by the chiropractor, Dr. Alexander, and was not created, funded, requested, or coordinated by him or his campaign. "Neither I nor my campaign would ever offer anything of value in exchange for someone’s vote," Singh said in a statement. He acknowledged posting the video as part of his regular efforts to promote local businesses but apologized for the misstep. He also indicated that Dr. Alexander later clarified the $50 discount is a standard offer for new clients.
The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office has declined to comment on whether an investigation will proceed. Questions directed to the Secretary of State’s Office were referred to the Fair Political Practices Commission, which also declined specific comment.
This controversy is not the first time Singh has faced scrutiny. In 2006, before entering politics, he was arrested in a federal sting operation involving the sale of pseudoephedrine exceeding legal limits. This case was resolved in 2010 with misdemeanor pleas. Singh has spoken publicly about this incident as a catalyst for his entry into community service. During his 2022 mayoral campaign, allegations of a conflict of interest arose concerning city council votes on a highway interchange project near land partially owned by his father. The California Fair Political Practices Commission dismissed these allegations in October 2023, finding no conflict of interest occurred.
