Austin Candidates Submit Campaign Finance Reports Ahead of November Election
AUSTIN — With just about a month left until the November election, the candidates vying for the mayoral position in Austin have shared their latest campaign finance reports. These reports showcase how much money they have raised and how much remains available for their campaigns.
Kirk Watson Continues to Lead in Fundraising
Incumbent Mayor Kirk Watson is once again at the top of the fundraising race. His recent report indicates that he has raised over $927,000 since the beginning of the year. This amount surpasses the combined earnings of all his challengers.
Watson’s latest campaign report shows an additional $216,000 in contributions since July. He entered the final stretch of the election with nearly $277,000 still on hand. His campaign team highlighted that raising nearly a million dollars under a $450 donation cap is a significant achievement that signals strong community support.
Carmen Llanes Pulido Gaining Ground
Following Watson is Carmen Llanes Pulido, who reported bringing in around $34,000 in contributions since July, totaling just over $104,000 this year. She also mentioned outstanding loans of $20,000 and has spent more than $37,000. As of her latest report, she has just $4,661.29 remaining for the final month.
Doug Greco Making a Stand
Doug Greco, another candidate in the race, reported raising just over $10,000 during the latest reporting period. This brings his total fundraising figure to nearly $100,000 since the year’s start, with more than $45,000 unspent. Greco has chosen not to accept donations from outside the city to comply with existing local rules, which he argues favors wealthier candidates. He is currently in a legal battle over this rule.
Greco is also the only candidate who signed the city of Austin Campaign Contract, which makes him eligible for public funding should he advance to a runoff. Because of this, he is free from the $120,000 campaign spending limit as of August.
Kathie Tovo and Her Background
Kathie Tovo, a former city council member, reported raising nearly $20,000 more since July, bringing her total to around $77,000. Her campaign still has about $44,000 in available funds. Tovo also disclosed $181,807 in outstanding loans, primarily from her earlier campaigns, but about $20,000 is related to her current mayoral bid.
Tovo expressed confidence in her campaign’s momentum and highlighted several endorsements from local organizations and community leaders. She emphasized that her campaign is about more than just money, aiming to connect deeply with Austin residents seeking new leadership.
Jeffery Bowen’s First Finance Report
Jeffery Bowen, who entered the race in late August, submitted his first finance report, noting he raised $11,355. He has $2,000 in loans, spent less than $4,000, and ends this reporting period with nearly $10,000 left.
Bowen expressed satisfaction with his campaign’s early fundraising success, considering it a strong start after only a short time in the race.
A Wrap-Up Before Early Voting
As early voting approaches, the fundraising landscape in Austin’s mayoral race is shaping up to be competitive. While Kirk Watson leads significantly in funding, the other candidates, armed with their unique strategies and community support, will be working hard to connect with voters in the upcoming weeks. With diverse opinions and tactics among the candidates, Austin’s residents can expect a lively campaign leading up to election day in November.
