Anaheim City Council candidate and schools trustee Jordan Brandman has raised $167,141 in campaign funds since last year, according to campaign finance disclosure forms, making him the clear frontrunner in fundraising among the nine council candidates.
The most recently filed disclosure forms, which cover through the end of September, show that Brandman also has $104,924.46 in cash on hand.
Steve Chavez Lodge, director of public affairs for Hill International and former Santa Ana police officer, reported raising $87,272.70 since last year, with $41,000 of that total coming from self-made loans.
Former Councilwoman Lucille Kring reported raising $83,574 this year with $50,000 of the total coming from the R.G. Kring and L.E. Kring Family Trust.
Businessman Brian Chuchua has raised $63,170, with $20,000 of that total from a self-loan. Kerstin Chuchua also loaned Brian Chuchua $43,000.
Republican and former labor leader John Leos reported raising $10,775.
Linda Linder, a retired Los Angeles County deputy sheriff, reported raising $400, with $319.83 coming from loans.
Candidates Radolfo “Rudy” Gaona and Jennifer Rivera reported raising no cash. Candidate Duane Roberts did not file a campaign finance disclosure form with the city.
The nine council candidates are vying for two open council seats that will be vacated by termed-out council members Harry Sidhu and Lorri Galloway. Over the past year, Sidhu, Kris Murray and Gail Eastman have formed a council majority that favor business interests while Mayor Tom Tait and Galloway have taken more populist stances.
Brandman and Chavez Lodge are the favorites of the establishment and former Mayor Curt Pringle, with endorsements from both the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and the Orange County Business Council.
Support Our Anaheim Resort (SOAR), an influential group financed heavily by Disneyland and considered the city’s political kingmaker, has so far endorsed only Brandman. However, Chavez Lodge was seen at a recent SOAR fundraiser, Kring said.