Republican incumbent’s funds outpace Democratic opponent for Tarrant county judge
Democrat Alisa Simmons has raised roughly two-thirds of Republican incumbent Tim O’Hare in total political contributions in the Tarrannt County judge race from February to July.
The two have clashed for years on the Tarrant County Commissioners Court. Come November, voters will decide who they prefer.
O’Hare has over 10 times Simmons’s cash on hand, which is liquid and can be spent on any campaign expenses. O’Hare has $707,000 to Simmons’s $67,000.
In total political contributions, including pre-designated funds, O’Hare was given $260,000 and Simmons received $176,000.
Contributions to Simmons’s campaign were primarily small, with the exception of an $18,000 donation from a North Richland Hills real estate investor and a few donations in the low thousands. Her donor base includes some attorneys, local Democratic organizations and other campaigns.
O’Hare received $135,000 from oil and gas companies alone. Texas Realtors PAC & Tarrant County Law Enforcement Association PAC both gave $5,000 in this filing period. Most of the donors to O’Hare’s campaign were company executives, attorneys and investors. One person gave the Republican suite tickets to a Texas Rangers game valued at $8,500.
Simmons also had political action committee money backing her, all designated by the groups. The House Democratic Campaign Committee paid $37,700 for staff and benefits. Texas Organizing Project Political Action Committee gave $8,000 worth of printing and gas cards and $36,000 for staff salary and benefits.
Neither candidate immediately responded to the Star-Telegram’s questions. O’Hare’s campaign sent an email Wednesday saying his strong financial position will allow the campaign to expand its voter education efforts.
Election Day is Nov. 3 and early voting will be Oct. 19-30.