Murphy nets $182k in donations for Columbia mayoral race; outdraws Buffaloe, Heath by wide margin
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A staggering difference in donations have occurred in Columbia’s mayoral race, according to the reports submitted to the Missouri Ethics Commission on Thursday.
Thursday’s filings were the reports campaigns submit 40 days before the election. This year’s municipal elections will be April 8.
A committee disclosure report for candidate Blair Murphy’s campaign shows he’s received $182,159.12 since announcing his campaign in the fall. His campaign has $143,094.42 on hand.
Murphy’s total is the most for a Columbia mayoral candidate since former Mayor Brian Treece brought in $129,873.49 during his 2019 reelection campaign. MEC online records date back to the 2019 race.
Mayor Barbara Buffaloe’s reelection bid has brought in $26,082.62 this cycle, and has $14,215.65 on hand. Candidate Tanya Heath’s campaign has gained $2,001.85 and has $850.39 on hand. There was no committee filed for write-in candidate Lucio Bitoy.
Some notable donations in the Murphy campaign include a $10,000 donation from Mizzou football head coach Eli Drinkwitz. He also received $10,000 donations from William Little, Richard Miller, owner of Drewing Automotive Grant Drewing, Brock Bukowsky of Veterans United, the owner of Socket, George Pfenenger, and a $25,000 donation from Citizens For A Better Columbia.
Fourth Ward
A notable difference was also seen in the Ward 4 race. Challenger Ron Graves has totaled $17,337.72 and has $14,747.23 on hand. Councilman Nick Foster totals $3,750.09 and has $3,820.63 on hand.
Third Ward
Jacque Sample, the lone candidate in the Ward 3 race took in $2,075 and has $1,579.74 on hand.
School board
Three candidates are running for two seats in the Columbia Board of Education race. Board President Suzette Waters has taken in $851 this election and has $1,497.80 on hand
Candidate Erica Dickson has gained $3,075 and has $1,872.35 on hand; while Ken Rice’s campaign has totaled $1,310 with $757.65 on hand.
