Santa Fe Mayoral Candidates' Campaign Finance Reports Shed Light on Funding and Momentum

Strategic Insights -

A recent report on Santa Fe's mayoral candidates has revealed a wide range of fundraising numbers, with Justin Greene leading the pack with over $90,000. Greene's campaign manager, Scott Forrester, stated that the numbers reflect the campaign's momentum and community support. Other mayoral candidates, such as JoAnne Vigil Coppler and Ron Trujillo, have raised around $60,000 each, with Trujillo using public financing. Public financing has also been a choice for Michael Garcia, who is running for mayor, and several City Council candidates. The campaign finance reports provide insight into which candidates have the most supporters and deepest pockets, but it's worth noting that more money doesn't always lead to election success.

Key Takeaways:

  • Justin Greene has raised over $90,000, the highest amount among mayoral candidates, and has the most private donations at $23,324.
  • JoAnne Vigil Coppler and Ron Trujillo have raised around $60,000 each, with Trujillo using public financing.
  • Michael Garcia, also running for mayor, has received $60,000 in public financing, which he can match with private donations up to $120,000.
  • Public financing has been a choice for several City Council candidates, including Pat Feghali, Katherine Rivera, Paul Bustamante, and Amanda Chavez.
  • Campaign finance reports for some candidates, such as Letitia Montoya, are missing due to missed deadlines.
  • High-profile donors, including former mayor Sam Pick, state auditor Joseph Maestas, and former New Mexico House Speaker Brian Egolf, have contributed to various campaigns.
  • One political committee, "Niños and Neighbors," has filed with the city, raising $345, and will host a mayoral candidate forum focused on families and children.
  • Tarin Nix's "Fix Our City Different" political committee, which conducted a survey of residents and created an online map, was not registered with the city but has filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Statistics:

  • Justin Greene: $90,157 raised, $23,324 spent
  • JoAnne Vigil Coppler: $63,915 raised, $2,543 spent
  • Ron Trujillo: $60,000 in public financing, $10,699 spent
  • Michael Garcia: $60,000 in public financing, $3,214 spent
  • Tarin Nix: $34,366 raised, $28,460 spent
  • Total amount raised by mayoral candidates: $231,250
  • Total amount spent by mayoral candidates: $76,960

Sources:

  • The Santa Fe New Mexican
  • City of Santa Fe's election website (tinyurl.com/3fp6yrkt)
  • Federal Election Commission (FEC)
  • Campaign finance reports submitted to the city clerk