Salt Lake City mayoral candidates have already brought in a combined $540,000 — and experts say they expect the crowded race will become even more financially competitive in the months to come.
Latino businessman David Ibarra led the pack of seven declared candidates with $234,931 in campaign contributions, while David Garbett, the next highest earner, brought in $111,131. Former state Sen. Jim Dabakis reported just under $101,000 and current Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski collected nearly $67,000, according to early financial reports.
“For candidates with better name recognition, like the mayor or Dabakis, the number of dollars may not be as critical as for someone who’s less well known,” said David Magleby a longtime Brigham Young University political scientist.