San Jose's three City Council runoffs are getting more expensive as the Nov. 3 election nears. The six candidates in Districts 5, 7 and 9 raised roughly $240,000 in direct contributions between July 1 and Sept. 19, nearly a third of everything they have raised since campaigning began last year, San José Spotlight reported from the latest filings.
District 5: Ortiz vs. Campos
Incumbent Peter Ortiz, first elected in 2022, finished first in June with 44.9% of the vote. He has raised $222,060 in direct donations, including a $300 personal loan. A committee backed by the South Bay Labor Council has spent more than $143,000 to support him. His challenger, former councilmember and Assemblymember Nora Campos, has raised $100,572, about 40% of it in the last three months, and loaned her campaign $3,000. This is a rematch of their 2022 race.
Ortiz told the Spotlight he has almost 500 donors giving from $10 up to the maximum. Campos said her support reflects East San Jose frustration over housing costs, crime, blight and a lack of economic opportunity.
District 7: Doan vs. Le
Incumbent Bien Doan won 47.8% in the primary to 22.4% for East Side Union High School District trustee Van Le. Doan has raised $189,884, including a $20,000 personal loan, and the California Alliance of Family Owned Businesses PAC has spent more than $150,000 to help him. Le has raised $119,286 and loaned her campaign $30,000. Le said her campaign is focused on canvassing, while Doan pointed to his opposition to new taxes and his push for modular shelters.
District 9: Altwer vs. Chester
The seat is open because Vice Mayor Pam Foley is termed out. The district includes Hillsdale, Cambrian Park and part of Willow Glen. Marriage and family therapist Genny Altwer, who took 35.5% in June, has raised $183,216, including a $15,000 personal loan. Public Works Department employee Gordon Chester, who took 22.2%, has nearly doubled his total since July to $54,775 and loaned his campaign $4,000. Chester said 66% of his contributions since July were $100 or less.