Aftab Pureval continued his fundraising dominance over David Mann in Cincinnati's mayoral race during the past two months, raking in more than six times as much money in campaign contributions.
Campaign finance reports for May and June, which were filed Friday, show Pureval raised $218,881 to Mann's $33,570.
Those totals are similar to the candidates' previous finance reports, which covered donations from January through April. In those reports, Pureval topped Mann $231,000 to $56,000.
Pureval also is spending significantly more. In the past two months, Pureval outspent Mann $127,000 to $20,000, with almost half devoted to salary for his campaign staff.
Pureval reported a total of 641 donors, 20% of which gave the maximum contribution of $1,100 for individuals or $2,700 for political action committees. Mann reported 99 donors, 16% of which gave the maximum contribution.
"We’re proud to have support from a broad and diverse coalition of Cincinnatians," said Allie Watters, Pureval's campaign manager. "Our city wants new, bold leadership and Aftab will continue to meet with voters in all 52 neighborhoods to build on our incredible momentum."
Mann said he's not concerned about his fundraising gap with Pureval because polling by his campaign indicates the race is competitive.
"Only one thing matters: votes on Election Day," Mann said. "Our polling is very encouraging. We have great fundraising initiatives underway. Please stay tuned."
Mann, a Cincinnati city councilman, and Pureval, Hamilton County's clerk of courts, won the right to face off in the November election after finishing first and second in the primary election this spring. In that race, they led a field of six candidates.
Both are Democrats from Clifton, but social media posts suggest Pureval is courting the progressive wing of the party and Mann is seeking the Republican vote.
Mann's donors include several Cincinnati developers, fellow City Councilman Christopher Smitherman and former Cincinnati mayors Charlie Luken and Jerry Springer. Pureval received contributions from a wider range of donors, such as medical professionals, lawyers and four labor unions, including the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers.
At 81, Mann, a former mayor, is pitching himself as the steady hand in the wake of corruption scandals at City Hall, which have not implicated him but have landed several of his colleagues in legal trouble. Pureval, 38, is campaigning as a newcomer who can clean up city government.
Incumbent Mayor John Cranley is finishing his second term and cannot run again.
The campaign has been a quiet one thus far, but is expected to pick up after Labor Day.
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