Richmond campaigns see significant contributions, with big names and PACs in play

The latest campaign finance reports reveal substantial contributions across Richmond’s City Council races, with Claudia Jimenez leading the pack with $52,803 raised. On the ballot measure front, Richmond Votes Matters reported receiving a hefty $217,200, and SEIU 1021, which represents city employees, contributed $135,000 to the East Bay Working Families.

Claudia Jimenez’s campaign to retain her District 6 seat took in another $9,396 during the latest reporting period from July 1 to September 21, for a total of $52,803.

Claudia Jiménez highlights community work and future projects in re-election bid

Richmond Vice Mayor Claudia Jiménez is seeking re-election, emphasizing her dedication to ongoing projects and her long-term vision for improving public safety, infrastructure, and economic opportunity in District 6, which she represents.

Grandview IndependentSoren Hemmila

Richmond Police Officers Association PAC, Sponsored by the Richmond Police Officers Association, reported spending $5,500 on a mailer opposing Jimenez.

Ahmad Anderson’s campaign for District 5 has raised $41,209 and spent $23,229 on campaign consultants, signs, and events.

Richmond Council candidate Ahmad Anderson comes alive in District 5

Ahmad Anderson is running for Richmond City Council in District 5, positioning himself as a fresh voice with innovative ideas.

Grandview IndependentSoren Hemmila

Shawn Dunning, running against Jimenez in District 6, raised $8,523 during this period, a total of $39,036. Dunning has spent $6,423 this period on signs, fees, and video production.

Council candidate Shawn Dunning calls for collaborative leadership in District 6 council run

Richmond City Council candidate Shawn Dunning, who previously ran for mayor in 2022, has spent over two decades in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. He says his campaign is driven by a deep love for Richmond and a desire to foster more inclusive and collaborative decision-making.

Grandview IndependentSoren Hemmila

District 5 candidate Sue Wilson has raised $18,666 this period, for a total of $27,026. Wilson's campaign spent $12,890 on campaign consultants, yard signs, and rent.

Sue Wilson’s campaign: from behind-the-scenes activism to city council spotlight

A seasoned activist and environmental advocate, Sue Wilson is making her first bid for public office, seeking to fill the District 5 Richmond City Council seat vacated by Gayle McLaughlin.

Grandview IndependentSoren Hemmila

District 1 candidate Melvin Willis reported receiving $10,050 this period for a total of $26,375. Willis reported spending on campaign consultants, postage, and campaign literature.

Melvin Willis spotlights homelessness, human trafficking, and youth initiatives in Richmond Council reelection

As Richmond City Councilmember Melvin Willis seeks reelection, he is doubling down on efforts to address pressing issues such as homelessness and human trafficking and expanding youth programs. Willis, representing District 1 in Richmond, has focused his platform on building community-centered solutions.

Grandview IndependentSoren Hemmila

Jamelia Brown, hoping to unseat the incumbent Willis, reported $8,764 this period and $9,158 in total. Brown spent $5,317 on printing costs.

Dr. Jamelia Brown is running for City Council in District 1 to “See a Better Richmond”

Dr. Jamelia Brown is running for City Council in District 1 to “See a Better Richmond”

Grandview IndependentSoren Hemmila

District 1 candidate Mark Wassberg didn't report any contributions.

Mark Wassberg hopes to win a council seat and work to reduce crime

Best known for his searing two-minute critiques of city government, Mark Wassberg is running for Richmond City Council and hoping voters will help him snag the District 1 seat in November.

Grandview IndependentLinda Hemmila

East Bay Working Families recently sent several mailers in support of RPA candidates and reported spending $27,250 on television spots, video production, and digital ads supporting Measure L, the instant runoff voting reform, and opposing Measure J, the Richmond primary Election Reform Act.

MEASURE J  Richmond Election Reform Act 

Richmond City Charter amendment for primary elections: If no candidate gets a majority vote, the top two run in the general election, with the candidate who gets the most votes winning.

Council moves forward with ranked choice voting ballot measure

The Richmond City Council advanced a proposed ranked choice ballot measure to be added to the 2024 General Election ballot after a presentation at a special meeting Tuesday night. The item directs the city attorney’s office to draft language for a ranked-choice ballot measure and an ordinance to allow

Grandview IndependentSoren Hemmila

Richmond Votes Matters, formed to support the Richmond Reform Act, raised $217,200, mostly from building unions, and has spent $211,573.

MEASURE L - Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) Election Reform Act

Richmond Election Reform Act headed for November ballot

A petition to introduce primary municipal elections in Richmond City elections has been certified by the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department. Backers of the Richmond Election Reform Act submitted 15,139 to the election’s office on March 20, said Helen Nolan, Assistant Registrar-Contra Costa County. “The petition was determined

Grandview IndependentSoren Hemmila

Richmond City Council placed an instant runoff voting system on the November 5, 2024, ballot to replace plurality voting for city elections.

Oil Refining Business License Tax - REMOVED FROM THE BALLOT

The Polluters Pay committee, sponsored by Asian Pacific Environmental Network Action and Service Employees International Union Local 1021, raised $336,511 for the Oil Refining Business License Tax, which was removed from the ballot after the city reached an agreement with Chevron.

City announces $550 million settlement with Chevron, withdrawal of oil refinery tax ballot measure

Updated: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 2:15 p.m. According to the proposed settlement, Chevron, the City Attorney, and a City Council ad hoc committee have negotiated an agreement that will end the current lawsuit and the threat of new ones. Chevron initially offered the city $300 million or

Grandview IndependentSoren Hemmila

APEN contributed $220,000 to the Polluters Pay campaign during this reporting period, which appears to have been returned.

Local advertisers were the big winners, receiving over $200,000 for television, print, and online ads.

Coalition for Richmond’s Future, sponsored by Chevron, reported $629,034 in contributions from the company.

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