Ray Ellis ahead in fundraising for District 1 San Diego City Council election

The Jan. 1 to April 23 campaign donation period was dominated by the Republican-endorsed candidate Ray Ellis. During that period, he raised $175,993 — more than double what his opponent Barbara Bry reported ($83,223).

The past campaign finance period, July to December 2015, Bry was also behind in fundraising, with $121,834 against the $188,189 that Ellis disclosed. The January to June 2015 period, both candidates raised similar amounts, Ellis: $151,611 and Bry: $138,892.

Ellis wrote in an e-mail that he thinks most of his support comes from his experience as a community volunteer. “As a centrist, I am proud to have a broad base of support from business leaders, non-profit leaders, Republicans, Democrats and Independents,” Ellis wrote.

Comparing the amount of cash they have in hand, ready to be spent on their campaigns, Ellis is also ahead with $198,925 compared to Bry’s $110,643.

In a statement, Bry wrote, “Unlike our biggest opponent, we are running a grassroots, volunteer-driven campaign. We are spending wisely, our fundraising is on track, and our grassroots momentum continues to grow.”

Ellis accumulated donations from 141 La Jolla residents during this period, and Bry 89, including a donation from Congressman Scott Peters (D). In his non-monetary contributions, Ellis counted a $1,395 donation in office furniture from the Republican Party of San Diego County.

Their next report will be disclosed the Friday before the election.

Candidates Bruce Lightner only reported a $500 loan to himself. Kyle Heiskala and Louis Rodolico reported total donations under $2,000. These three entered the race in the past trimester.

— To access more details about candidate finances, visit static.netfile.com/agency/csd and click on “Campaign Public Access Portal.”

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