By Sara Beth Williams–
Latest campaign filing disclosures filed last week show a combined total of just over $11,000 going toward Citrus Heights City Council candidate campaigns — a dramatic drop compared to the 2022 election where more than $100,000 was poured into the campaigns of nine different candidates running for City Council.
With incumbent Tim Schaefer running unopposed for the District 3 Citrus Heights City Council seat, the only candidates actively campaigning are out vying for the District 1 City Council seat.
According to the latest campaign finance filings, candidate Kelsey Nelson holds a strong lead in contributions for the District 1 seat, reporting $7,450 in total contributions, including $3,000 in non-monetary contributions and a contribution of $1,000 that was received after the most recent Oct. 19 reporting period.
Stones Gambling Hall has been the largest donor to Nelson’s campaign, with a recorded $1,500 in donations listed. $200 was also donated by former Mayor Bret Daniels, along with an additional $1,250 in nonmonetary contributions from Daniels for “consulting services.” Nelson reported $5,599 in expenditures as of Oct. 19, with her largest expenditure of just over $1,000 at Tayco Screenprinting in Rancho Cordova.
Andrew Saunders has reported a total of $3,800 in contributions, coming exclusively from contributions made by himself to his campaign in the form of personal loans. He also reported $3,300 in expenditures, with expenses going toward campaign signs, banners, business cards, mailers, flyers, and digital advertising.
Amie Burgundy Brown and Schaefer have not filed any financial reports for contributions or expenditures with the city. Candidates are not required to file such reports unless raising or spending over a $2,000 threshold. According to documents posted on the city’s elections page, Brown has signed a statement submitting to voluntary candidate expenditure limits.
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) requires campaign finance disclosures for local candidates who raise or spend over $2,000. Two pre-election filings are required by the commission, with an additional requirement for candidates to file a separate form within 24 hours of a donation of $1,000 being received.
The most recent reporting deadline was Oct. 24, covering the period of Sept. 22 through Oct. 19, 2024. The next FPPC reporting deadline for candidates is Jan. 31, 2025. To see all the candidates’ full campaign finance filings, click here.
Learn more about each candidate: Election 2024: Who’s running for Citrus Heights City Council?
