Staff report — Three weeks into a nine week period to secure more than $750,000 in public campaign dollars, incumbent Mayor Tim Keller and former Sheriff Darren White have taken an early lead in the effort to secure qualifying donations.
According to data from the Albuquerque City Clerk’s Office on Friday morning, Keller had secured 1,192 (32%) of 3,780 required $5 campaign donations allowing his campaign to receive public financing for their campaign. White’s campaign was closely behind with 967 (26%). Other candidates reporting qualifying contributions included Uballez (534, 14%), City Councilor Louie Sanchez (451, 12%), and Eddie Varela (88, 2%). Patrick Sais had previously declared an intent to seek public financing but has withdrawn that application, according to the clerk’s report.
Candidates for mayor and city council can opt into taxpayer-funded campaigns if they can demonstrate sufficient community support by securing small $5 donations from a small percentage of city voters during a 9 week sprint ending on June 21.
There is a big incentive to qualify. Mayoral candidates who meet the threshold will receive $755,946 in public funds to run their campaign for the November election. City council candidates have a shorter period beginning in June to qualify, but they have a smaller goal of small-dollar donations to secure than citywide mayoral candidates.
Candidates can also conduct more traditional campaigns by raising private donations.
In addition to seeking private or public funds, mayoral candidates must also secure the signatures of 3,000 voters to qualify for the ballot. In the petition count, Uballez has submitted the most qualifying signatures with 1,619 followed by Keller with 1,575 and White with 863.
