The race for mayor of Colorado Springs is heating up as significant funds pour into the campaign coffers of several contenders vying in a competitive 12-way contest slated for the April 4 city election.
Wayne Williams, an at-large City Council member endorsed by outgoing Mayor John Suthers, has received a substantial boost with a $50,000 contribution from the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs (HBA). This generous donation accounts for nearly half of Williams’ recent $97,850 fundraising haul. Additionally, he secured endorsements from The Gazette and conservative circles, further bolstering his campaign.
Williams’ total fundraising now stands at an impressive $504,635, with $281,297 remaining after expenditures totaling $223,338. Notable contributors include developers Gary Erickson and Gold Hill Neighborhood LLC, MC Operations, and the Apartment Association of Colorado Springs.
Former El Paso County commissioner Sallie Clark, another prominent candidate, reported a fundraising total of $102,413 in the last cycle, bringing her overall fundraising to $329,682. Major donations include $50,000 from The O’Neil group and $10,000 from Hoiles Trust of 1995, controlled by Tim Hoiles. Clark has invested significantly in TV ads and marketing efforts, spending approximately $203,800, with $126,000 remaining in her campaign funds.
Business owner Andrew Dalby, who initially injected $375,000 of his own funds into his campaign, has now amassed $404,874 in total contributions. With $279,834 spent, including a significant sum allocated to Dark Money Advertising LLC, Dalby is poised for an extensive advertising campaign across various platforms.
Meanwhile, businessman Yemi Mobolade has raised $331,855 and spent $136,402, leaving him with $195,453 in campaign funds. El Paso County commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr. reported a total of $196,817 in contributions, with $160,600 self-funded and $73,459 spent.
While other candidates have raised comparatively minimal amounts, the endorsement and financial support from the HBA are expected to significantly influence the outcome of the election. Developer David Jenkins, owner of Norwood Development, recently sent an email outlining a fundraising effort for Williams and a slate of endorsed candidates, including Michelle Talarico in District 3 and Brian Risley, Lynette Crow-Iverson, and David Leinweber for at-large seats.
The message suggests substantial campaign costs, with projections of up to $1 million for the mayor’s race and $75,000 to $100,000 for each Council race. Recipients were urged to contribute to both Council candidates and Williams, with additional funds requested for an Independent Expenditure effort facilitated by Colorado Dawn, a vehicle for undisclosed campaign contributions.