49ers pour millions into Santa Clara council races, outspending other special interests

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS have sunk millions of dollars into November’s Santa Clara city elections to decide its future government.

The San Francisco 49ers have spent the most money supporting who the team wants sitting on the City Council, burning $2.3 million so far. Other special interest groups include the Santa Clara Police Officers Association, Santa Clara Firefighters Union and developer Related Santa Clara. The police union is the second largest spender and has put more than $96,000 into council races. The 49ers have been primarily spending to oppose candidates backed by Mayor Lisa Gillmor and the police union — and support its preferred candidates. Meanwhile, the police union has been spending to support its endorsed slate and oppose others.