Campaign donations close in sheriff's race

Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series of articles examining the campaign donations received by local candidates in the Nov. 3 election. In looking at the 30-day campaign finance reports filed by candidates for San Marcos city offices and for Hays County Sheriff and Commissioner races, the Daily Record is highlighting the sources of candidates’ largest donations, donations from special interests and/or political action committees, and donations that come from outside Hays County.

Sheriff Gary Cutler and Challenger Alex Villalobos raised close to the same over the last two campaign finance reporting periods, with Villalobos holding steady up until the final filing deadline and Cutler bringing in more contributions earlier in the campaign.

Reporting for the Oct. 5 deadline, Cutler outraised Villalobos $16,920 to $10,240. However for the last 30 days of fundraising, Villalobos outraised Cutler $8,175 to $2,825.

For the Oct. 26 deadline, Cutler outspent Villalobos $34,286 to $7,425.

Cutler’s largest contributions for the last filing period was $1,000 from the Republican Political PAC in Wimberley Tracey Brent Dean, $1,000 from the Republican Party of Burleson County and $200 from former County Judge Bert Cobb.

In his earlier filing, he received mostly donations larger than $500 from individuals and businesses local to Hays County, with a few small donations between $20 and $200.

Villalobos received a variety of donations from local individuals and businesses as well as individuals and businesses from around Central Texas.

His largest contributions from the most recent filing was $2,000 from the Hays County Democratic Party, $2,000 from the campaign of the former Harris County Sheriff and current Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, $1,000 from All Makes Collision and $1,500 from San Antonio Realtor Gilberto Gonzalez.

From outside Hays County, Villalobos received a few small donations from individual donors as well as larger donations including $500 from San Antonio County Commissioner Tommy Calvert, $500 from Chris Steele of Converse, $500 from San Antonio Realtor George Cavito and $500 Linebarger Law Firm in Austin.

He received numerous small donations from local individuals as well as county staff members.

sgates

@sanmarcosrecord.com

Twitter: @StephJGates