Local Elections
How Are the Sheriff’s Candidates Faring in the Fundraising Battle?
John Zanoni and Mark Salazar are running in the June 7 election to replace retiring four-term Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims.
Financial figures released last week show Zanoni, an assistant sheriff for the county, in the fundraising lead.
Zanoni, who is endorsed by Mims, raised $144,500 and spent about $40,000 through April 23. Salazar, a Fresno Police Department deputy chief, raised $85,616 and spent around $33,000.
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Two Other Competitive Races
Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes, who is seeking a third term, faces two challengers.
Jose Antonio Ramirez has raised the most this year at $167,014. Amy Arambula, a Democratic activist, is listed under the “nonmonetary contributions” portion for a phone survey ($22,562) and polling ($7,437). Her son, Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula, paid more than $5,000 for canvassers.
Mendes only reported $13,400 in contributions so far in 2022, but he has raised the most overall and has the most cash on hand.
Fowler councilman Danny Parra had raised $21,800 since January — $8,400 more than Mendes —through April 23.
Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes (left) faces challengers Jose Antonio Ramirez and Daniel Parra. (GV Wire Composite/Paul Marshall)
Four county elected officers will not face challengers in June and that is reflected in their fundraising totals. None of them raised more than five figures, aside from their own contributions.
District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, running for her third term, has the most squirreled away with more than $62,000 cash on hand.
Jim Yovino is stepping away as county superintendent at the end of his term. Three are running to replace him. If no candidate receives 50% plus one of the vote, the top two advance to the November general election.
Michele Cantwell-Copher, an assistant superintendent under Yovino, has raised the most at $93,464.
Related Story: Four Fresno Council Races on June Ballot. Who Has Raised the Most?
County Elected Office Fundraising Data
