Denver's at-large contest draws over $300K in fundraising
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Candidates vying for the open at-large seat on the Denver City Council are raking in campaign cash as next month's ballot drop looms.
Why it matters: With just six weeks left to win over voters citywide, money could help candidates break through in the 10-person field for a seat representing every resident.
By the numbers: At-Large B candidates have brought in more than $300,000 from individual contributions and the Fair Elections Fund (FEF).
The biggest hauls so far, according to the latest available figures on Tuesday:
- Monica Martinez ($118,934)
- Julissa Soto ($50,000)
- Melissa Mejia ($45,745)
- Alfredo Reyes ($42,956)
- Jake Browne ($25,432)
Meanwhile, Soto gave herself $50,000, records show.
Between the lines: Five candidates received public matching money this month — $180,189 total, according to a statement from the Clerk and Recorder's Office.
- Recipients include Martinez ($82,440), Mejia ($35,775), Reyes ($33,165), Browne ($20,889) and Whitney Traylor ($7,920).
How it works: Fair Elections Fund candidates can accept up to $415 from an individual, though the city matches only the first $50 from Denver residents at a 9-to-1 rate.
- More than 500 local contributions were matched in the first disbursement. Candidates in this race can receive up to $298,365 in matching funds.
The intrigue: Mejia, former state director at the Community Economic Defense Project, earned an endorsement from Denver Democrats on Sept. 19 after receiving two-thirds of the committee's vote.
- It's the first time the party has endorsed a candidate in a nonpartisan election.
The Democratic Socialists of America's local chapter told Axios Tuesday it hasn't endorsed any candidate in the At-Large B race.
- The at-large seat was formerly held by Sarah Parady, who was backed by DSA Denver.
What's next: One additional FEF disbursement is scheduled for next month, per the Clerk and Recorder's Office.