Apopka Mayoral Election: A big September of fundraising evens Becker with Nelson

Election 2022

From Staff Reports

Election Day in Apopka is still 146 days away, but the mayoral race is already beginning to take form. Commissioner Kyle Becker, the challenger, and Mayor Bryan Nelson, the incumbent, had their campaign kickoffs in September, and their fundraising efforts are nearly identical heading into October.

What is surprising in the early campaign season is that three seats on the city commission are up for grabs, yet only one candidate, Commissioner Alexander Smith, has announced his intention to run for office.

Becker, bolstered by his event at Three Odd Guys Brewing on September 22nd, raised $13,015 in September, which increased his total contributions to $14,215. He has spent $7,356.88 on his campaign and has $6,858.12 in his election account. His 46 donations ranged from $5 to $1,000, and 41 of them were individuals, while five were business donations.

Also boosted by his launch on September 27th at The Catfish Place, Nelson raised $5,400 last month, which brings his total fundraising tally up to $14,000. He has spent $2,630.21 on his election effort, which gives him $11,369.79 on hand. In September, Nelson had 26 donors that gave contributions ranging from $25-$1,000. 25 of his donors were individuals, while one was a business donation.

Smith, currently running for Seat #1 unopposed, raised $425 in September, which extends his total contributions to $1,575. He has spent $257.84 on his election bid and has $1,317.16 in his campaign account. All four of Smith's donors were individuals and his donations ranged from $25-$200.

In the Seat #2 election, there are still no candidates. Commissioner Diane Velazquez, who won a 2020 special election to hold the office, is the current incumbent but has not announced her candidacy or filled out an election application with the City Clerk.

In the Seat #4 election, no candidates have announced their intention to run, or filled out an election application with the City Clerk. The special election is to fill the vacancy left by Becker, who is running for mayor, and therefore has to vacate Seat #4 in April of 2022.