Berkeley mayoral candidate and current City Councilmember Sophie Hahn narrowly raised more money for her campaign in the first half of 2024 than either of her two primary opponents, campaign finance records show.
Hahn’s campaign raised more than $85,000 this filing cycle, which runs from Jan. 1 to June 30. Notably, she is not participating in the city of Berkeley’s public financing program, which limits individual contributions to $60 and matches them 6 to 1.
Both of Hahn’s opponents are taking advantage of the program, however.
Former councilmember Kate Harrison raised just under $15,000 and received about $61,000 in public matching funds, bringing her total to $76,000 for the first half of 2024 — around $10,000 less than Hahn. Since launching her campaign, Harrison has received $147,000 in public matching funds, the maximum for mayoral candidates.
Trailing the pack is education and nonprofit consultant Adena Ishii, who raised $12,000 and received over $36,000 in matching funds. In total, Ishii brought in nearly $49,000 for the first half of 2024.
Some public officials in Berkeley and Oakland also gave their tacit endorsement of Hahn in the form of campaign contributions.
Berkeley City Councilmember Igor Tregub gave $120 to Hahn’s campaign, but both of his contributions were made before he was sworn in to the council.
Councilmember Terry Taplin also pitched in to Hahn’s campaign, donating $180 this cycle. Taplin previously endorsed Harrison in the mayoral race, but after she suddenly resigned from the council earlier this year, he pulled his endorsement and received a refund for his contribution.
In terms of Oakland politicians, City Councilmember Dan Kalb contributed $70 and former mayor Libby Schaaf gave $270.
The public matching system in Berkeley aims to make the process of running a campaign more equitable. It’s also a source of contention between Hahn and Harrison, the top two candidates.
Harrison criticized the fact that more than 30% of Hahn’s contributions come from outside of Berkeley, compared to about 20% of Harrison’s contributions. Only donations from Berkeley residents qualify for public matching funds.
“I am very proud that close to 80% of my donors are from Berkeley, with an average donation from each person of $56,” Harrison said in a statement. “I am also proud that my campaign for Berkeley Mayor has raised nearly the same amount as my opponent who decided not to be a part of Public Financing.”
Meanwhile, Hahn’s team celebrated the fundraising lead and took multiple hits toward Harrison’s campaign, reporting nearly double the number of individual contributions compared to Harrison since launching her bid for mayor.
“With her unprecedented rate of fundraising and large war chest, Councilmember Hahn’s campaign is well positioned to significantly outpace even her closest competitor, former Councilmember Kate Harrison,” Hahn said in a statement.
