Port Commissioner Rafael Castellanos raised the most money among candidates for San Diego City Attorney in the first six months of this year, according to campaign finance disclosures that had to be filed by Friday.
He's facing fellow lawyers Gil Cabrera, Robert Hickey and Mara Elliott in next year's election to succeed Jan Goldsmith, who is being termed out. While the primary election is still 10 months away, this is the first major disclosure period of the campaign cycle and can show who is gaining momentum.
Castellanos reported $161,000 in contributions, of which nearly $12,600 came out of his own pocket. He had about $159,800 cash on hand and $5,200 in debts.
Noteworthy contributors were port Commissioner David Malcolm and his wife, Annie, who each gave $1,050, former City Manager Jack McGrory and former City Council President Tony Young.
Cabrera reported $134,000 in contributions, including $3,000 he gave himself. The member of the San Diego Convention Center Corp. Board of Directors reported having $123,600 in available funds and nearly $29,800 in debt.
His well-known contributors included Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, Councilman Todd Gloria and Chargers special counsel Mark Fabiani. Hickey reported $110,000 in donations, including $1,050 from his own wallet. The county prosecutor had $109,000 cash on hand and $25,000 in debts, according to his disclosure.
He also received $1,050 from David and Annie Malcolm, and brought in numerous donations from his fellow prosecutors, a handful of defense attorneys and some judges.
Elliott, a deputy city attorney, reported getting almost $22,000, including $1,050 from herself. She has a bit over $21,000 cash on hand, and about $4,900 in debt.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer reported raising more than $646,000 for his re- election bid. He is so far not facing opposition.
Next year's elections will also include five City Council races, and numerous ballot measures are expected.
