Salt Lake City Council candidates ramp up spending before Election Day
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With Election Day tomorrow, Salt Lake City Council candidates are pouring thousands into ads and outreach in the final stretch to win voters in the race to represent Utah's largest city.
Why it matters: The fundraising haul — for some seats, nearly double what's typical during an off-year election — shows how competitive Salt Lake City's local races have become.
How it works: Axios Salt Lake City analyzed campaign finance records filed last week for all contested races, detailing how much each candidate raised and spent Oct. 5–25.
In the three-way race to replace Council Member Darin Mano, Erika Carlsen, co-founder of the Ballpark Action Team, has raised over $100,000 more than any other council candidate.
By the numbers: Carlsen raised about $3,200 this reporting period and spent nearly $10,400.
- Her donations include $850 from the Equality Utah PAC and $800 by the United Steelworkers District 12.
- Amy Hawkins, Ballpark Community Council chair, garnered about $6,000, with a $50 contribution from former Mayor Rocky Anderson, who sought a third term against Mayor Erin Mendenhall in 2023, and an $850 donation from entrepreneur David Ibarra.
- She reported spending almost $2,600.
Of note: Vance Hansen, a security officer, did not report campaign finances during that time frame.
In the city's most crowded council race, hopefuls collectively raised about $32,000 and spent almost $50,000 during the filing period.
Zoom in: Incumbent Chris Wharton raised about $8,000 and spent nearly $22,000 — the most among his challengers during the 20 days — to defend his seat.
- Liddy Huntsman-Hernández, a diabetes advocate and daughter of former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., raised $17,200, including a $10,000 loan she gave herself. She spent about $11,500.
- Software executive Blake McClary received roughly $7,000 and spent just over $12,500.
Meanwhile, judicial assistant Jake Seastrand and health care staffer David Berg raised $100 and $10, respectively.
Incumbent Victoria Petro tops the fundraising field in this race as she seeks reelection to represent Salt Lake City's west side.
By the numbers: Petro collected $3,095, outraising her opponent Stephen Otterstrom's $935 — and spent big, nearly $12,500 to his $2,529.
What we're watching: The outcomes will shape the city's approach to growth, housing and crime.