30 things you might not know about Berkeley’s election
How much have real estate groups poured into the election? How about firefighter unions? Which candidates is the actor Danny Glover backing?
Campaign finance
Top Stories
How much are Berkeleyans donating to Biden and Trump?
Berkeleyans have donated over $5.4 million to the two presidential campaigns, 98.5% of which is to one candidate, and over half of which has come from two of the city’s zip codes.
Independent expenditure campaigns spend big to influence rent board, District 2 city council race
By law, independent expenditure campaigns must act independently of the candidates they are backing. They can’t communicate or even coordinate with those running for office.
Recent stories
Election complaints filed against Arreguín and Hsiung mayoral campaigns
Critical information about who is paying for campaign materials is missing, the complaints state.
Real estate interests spend heavily to support property-friendly rent board candidates
There is a full slate of five property owner-oriented candidates running for the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board — and real estate interests are backing them big time.
With 4 City Council seats up for grabs in Berkeley, here’s who’s donating
Those participating in the city’s public financing program can only get $50 from any donor, but Berkeley matches that six-to-one, or $300 per donor.
Donors pour $125K into mayor’s race, with Jesse Arreguín raising about 3x more than opponents
With public matching funds, Wayne Hsiung has almost as much to spend as the mayor.
Firefighters pour money into Berkeley ballot measure that would raise $8.5 million a year
Supporters have contributed $44,000 to Measure FF. It would raise property taxes to improve 911 service and help prepare Berkeley for disasters, they say. Opponents contend there are no controls on the fund.
Can comics help democracy? This Berkeley expert on campaign financing hopes so
In a new graphic nonfiction book, ‘Unrig: How to Fix Our Broken Democracy,’ Daniel Newman, founder of Maplight, says people can be the change.
Some Berkeley 2020 races are already bringing in big bucks
Campaign finance reports show 2020 races for mayor, City Council and more are heating up. Plus, there are three school measures on the March primary ballot.
Public campaign financing in 2018 reduced influence of large donors, enticed more people to run, report shows
Incumbency and fundraising ability still mattered as the two sitting council members won reelection. However public financing allowed candidates to spend more time talking to constituents.
City Councilwoman Lori Droste pays $750 for campaign finance violations
Public financing was used for the first time in Berkeley during the November 2018 election and the Fair Practices Campaign Commission is still dealing with violations from various races.
