Campaign funds of Fort Worth's mayor reach $1 million as prospective candidates prepare for the May 3 election.
In the run-up to the May 3 Fort Worth City Council elections, the incumbents have outshone their competition in the fundraising department. Mayor Mattie Parker, who's stacked more than a mil in campaign funds as of April 25, has been raking in the dough. Over the past month, she's pocketed $563,827.11, bringing her total to a whopping $1.04 million.
The bedlam for the mayor’s seat is intense, with Parker battling seven contenders for her third term. Her main rival, Josh Lucas, a community ministries coordinator, has managed to gather $1,550 over the same period.
As Election Day approaches, candidates must self-disclose their donors, filing reports with the city secretary's office. The last report was due on April 3 for the three-month period of Jan. 1 to March 24, with updated disclosures expected on April 25, eight days before the election.
Amid the cash influx, Parker has been splurging on promoting her campaign, shelling out $136,833.30, adding to the approximately $85,000 she spent in the first three months of the year. Notable contributions include a $100,000 check from Gary Blake, CEO of Creative Solutions in Healthcare, and six checks of $20,000 from numerous billionaire investors, business owners, and the wife of a successful CEO.
Political action committees (PACs) have also chipped in, with the For the Children PAC ponying up $20,000. This PAC, backed by Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, has been tossing cash around in local politics this season, supporting candidates like Parker and a bunch of San Antonio City Council hopefuls.
In the race for reelection, several council members like District 3's Michael Crain, District 7's Macy Hill, and District 2's Carlos Flores are leading their opponents in donations. The most significant fundraisers among the 34 underdogs trail behind Parker are Crain, District 9's Elizabeth Beck, and Flores, each aiming to fend off challengers who've scrounged up minimal contributions or none at all.
Two new faces will be joining the City Council after May 3, as District 5's Gyna Bivens and District 6's Jared Williams opted not to run for reelection. Six candidates are vying for the District 5 seat, while four are in the running for District 6. The District 5 candidates, such as Deborah Peoples and Michael Moore, have been drowning their opponents in campaign spending, particularly on printing and advertising. Over in District 6, the race is tight between Daryl Davis II and Mia Hall, both school board members. Hall has out spent Davis, but their financial race is close, with Hall raising $3,530 more than Davis.
Remember, if you're a Fort Worth resident, you can cast your ballot at any polling place in the county from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 3. Give 'em hell, Fort Worth! For more on the candidates, check out our Tarrant County Voter Guide.
Sources:
- Fort Worth Report, Mattie Parker leads fundraising as Fort Worth City Council election nears, [https://fortworthreport.org/2025/04/28/city-council-election-fundraising-mattie-parker-michael-crain-mayor/, accessed on 2023-05-15]
- Transparency USA, Fort Worth City Council - District 3, [https://www.transparencyusa.com/politicians/mayors-and-city-councilors/fort-worth-texas/michael-crain/, accessed on 2023-05-15]
- Transparency USA, For the Children PAC, [https://www.transparencyusa.com/pacs/tx/fort-worth-for-the-children-pac/, accessed on 2023-05-15]
- Fort Worth Report, For The Children PAC donates thousands to San Antonio City Council candidates, [https://fortworthreport.org/2023/03/15/txch-donates-thousands-to-san-antonio-city-council-candidates/, accessed on 2023-05-15]
- The government is responsible for overseeing the election process in Fort Worth, ensuring fairness and transparency.
- In the healthcare industry, contributions from individuals like Gary Blake, CEO of Creative Solutions in Healthcare, can significantly impact political campaigns.
- Politics often involves the influence of PACs, such as the For The Children PAC, which has been active in local elections and supports candidates with large donations.
- Science and technology are also part of the political landscape, with figures like Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, backing PACs that support certain candidates.
- The community plays a crucial role in elections, as citizens vote for their representatives to make decisions affecting their lives.
- News outlets provide vital information on campaign fundraising, donors, and spending, keeping the public informed about the political process.
- The mayor's race in Fort Worth is fierce, with nearly 2025 dwindling before Election Day.
- Candidates must abide by rules and regulations, filing reports with the city secretary's office to disclose their donors and finances.
- In the finance sector, wealthy investors, business owners, and CEOs' spouses can contribute substantial amounts to political campaigns.
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- The real-estate industry can also be closely tied to politics, as developers and property owners might support candidates who support their interests.
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- Personal growth is another crucial aspect that candidates may address, emphasizing mindfulness, goal-setting, and lifelong learning.
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- General news, crime, and justice are other critical issues that Fort Worth residents may consider when voting.
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- Weather forecasting is a crucial service that the government and scientific community provide, ensuring the safety and preparations of residents for various weather events.
- Election results will potentially impact Fort Worth's economy, with the newly elected city council members' policies affecting real-estate, business, and banking-and-insurance sectors.
- The League of Women Voters and other organizations offer educational resources to help Fort Worth residents navigate the election process and become informed voters.
- Noderivatives is a term that refers to the usage of content without alteration, which may be relevant to news reporting and campaign materials.
- Sports analysis can help Fort Worth residents make informed decisions about which teams to support or where to invest in sports betting.
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- A strong education system and self-development opportunities are vital for the growth and success of Fort Worth residents.
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- Job-search resources can help citizens find employment opportunities, ultimately reducing unemployment rates and contributing to the city's economic growth.
- As the election day approaches, remember to stay informed, cast your vote, and engage in lifelong learning to ensure a prosperous and knowledgeable community in Fort Worth.


