First Election is here, campaigning (for the moment) is over.
Leading up to today has been a historic pace of fundraising and spending by the two top candidates for mayor.
Mayor Alvin Brown and Lenny Curry combined to raise almost $5 million.
With a late push in the past couple of weeks, Brown raised $2.5 million for the slim lead over Curry’s more than $2.4 million.
Both numbers are impressive, said Matthew Corrigan, chair of the University of North Florida’s Political Science and Public Administration Department.
“That’s a lot of money to challenge an incumbent,” said Corrigan, referring to Curry’s efforts.
Just as impressive, he said, has been Brown’s response — rallying late in the past couple of months to raise enough funds to retake the fundraising lead.
That shows the mayor's support is growing, Corrigan said.
In the last reporting period for March 7-19, Brown raised $37,421 at the local level.
His “Taking Jacksonville to the Next Level” state committee raised $229,900 for the month, according to Fabien Levy, Brown’s deputy campaign manager.
Curry brought in $26,043 during the local two-week frame and $86,650 through his “Together for a Greater Jacksonville” committee. For the month, the committee raised $164,650.
Yet, the two also have spent nearly as much as they’ve brought in.
Curry has spent about $2.3 million of the $2.4 million he has raised.
Of Brown’s $2.5 million, he’s spent at least $1.8 million, not including what he spent during March because that report has not been filed with the state.
Numbers show expenses ramped up in the past three months, too, as voting day drew nearer.
Of the almost $613,000 Curry spent from his local account, more than $522,223 came since Jan. 1. Likewise, Brown spent almost $421,000 of his $535,000 collected through his local account since New Year’s Day.
If there is a runoff between Brown and Curry, Corrigan said it will be just as expensive leading to the May 19 election.
While he didn’t offer a figure, he said it would have to be “substantial” and on the same level of what has been raised to date.
Today’s results could be indicative of Curry’s viability.
“If Curry is in second, how close is he?” Corrigan asked. ”That sends a signal.”
Within 5 to 7 percentage points would show he’s within striking distance and could generate donor interest. A double-digit deficit might tune casual donors out, he said.
Then again, that’s if there’s a runoff. Voters should know by the end of tonight.
Polls are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. across the city. For polling information and locations, visit duvalelections.com.
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