As political campaigns begin to kick off ahead of the November election, the Republican incumbents of two contested seats in the Texas House have far more money in their war chests than their Democratic rivals.
According to data from the Texas Ethics Commission website, state Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, has a total of $194,685.62 cash on hand, while state Rep. Hugh Shine, R-Temple , has $853,144.60, according to reports filed in Texas. Ethics Commission.
Jonathan Hildner, D-Killeen, who is challenging Buckley for his District 54 seat, reported a total of $10,165.75 cash on hand, and Tristian Sanders, D-Killeen, who has his sights set on the Shine District 55 seat, reported a total of $328.64. cash on hand
All candidates recently filed campaign finance reports for financial activities, including political contributions and expenditures, for the period from January 1 to June 30.
A look at Buckley and Shine’s campaign finance reports reveal high-dollar contributions from political action committees, with some common ground, as well as individual donors.
Hildner’s financial reports, on the other hand, reveal smaller contributions from more individual donors, some from as far away as Florida, Chicago and California.
Sanders’ financial reports that are available on the Ethics Commission’s website show mostly expenses, which totaled $1,312.63. Their reports indicated a total of $100 in contributions.
Tristan Sanders
“The campaign has gone pretty well so far,” Sanders said Saturday. “We’ve done well in reaching everybody and getting our message out there. And that’s the way we’ve been trying to get votes and get our fundraising going is by talking to them. Because when we’re out there trying to talk to them, that’s how can we help our fundraiser.”
Buckley, Shine and Hildner all have notable individuals who have contributed to their campaigns.
Among several pages of contributions, Buckley has received money from former Bell County Republican Party Chairwoman Nancy Boston and her husband, First National-Central Texas Bank President/CEO Bobby Hoxworth, the Isdale Chiropractic Clinic in Killeen, Belton billionaire Drayton McLane Jr., Marc Nigliazzo, president of Texas A&M University-Central Texas, and Killeen ISD school board member JoAnn Purser.
Brad Buckley
“Our campaign continues to meet and exceed our fundraising goals and I’m confident we will do the same as the general election approaches,” Buckley said via email last week. “We continue to serve our existing constituents and meet new HD54 voters to hear their concerns and issues. I look forward to earning their support to return to Austin and work for the good people of Bell County.”
McLane and Nigliazzo also donated to Shine’s campaign. Shine also received contributions from businesses and individuals such as Carothers Executive Homes in Belton and Don Ringler Investments of Belton.
Hugh Shine
“Since the end of the last session of the Legislature and the special sessions last fall, I’ve been traveling around the district,” Shine said in a phone interview last week. “I’ve been meeting with voters, working with the Chamber of Commerce in Harker Heights and the city council in Harker Heights and Nolanville and just traveling around the district, meeting with voters, raising money to be able to run a successful campaign this fall. My fundraising success is a direct response to the message I’m resonating out there.”
Killeen Mayor Ken Wilkerson is Hildner’s campaign treasurer. He has also contributed financially to the campaign. Other notable Hildner donors include Bell County WCID-1 board member Sandra Blankenship; local activist Philemon Brown; local lawyer, teacher and activist Aya Eneli; and former Killeen Councilwoman Shirley Fleming.
Jonathan Hildner
“I’m proud of the momentum our campaign has built and the enthusiasm our supporters have shown us to help us raise over $30,000 and ensure we have over $10,000 cash on hand at the end of the last reporting cycle.” Hildner said via email last week.
“As of July 29, our campaign has received donations from over 316 individual donors with an average contribution of $63.88. Working Texans from all walks of life bring our campaign to life to bring a strong and responsive representation in District 54 and I’m excited to continue to build on that support as we approach November.”
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