Conley’s war chest exceeds Becerra’s

From a number standpoint, it’s shaping up to be a lopsided race for Hays County Judge in terms of money donated so far.

According to financial reports filed on July 16, Will Conley, the Republican candidate, had a total of $68,464 in monetary donations; compared to just $7,279 for Democratic candidate Ruben Becerra.

Of Conley’s total donations, $54,215 came from out of town and $2,250 from out of state. Conley listed 22 donations of $1,000 or more, all of them from outside Hays County.

Becerra listed $1,805 donations from outside Hays County but showed no donations of $1,000 or more.

Conley’s report listed $5,959.08 in political expenditures of $100 or less, $83,890.68 in total political expenditures and $109,243.02 in “total political contributions maintained as of the last day of reporting period.”

Becerra’s report listed zero total political expenditures of $100 or less, $9,618.58 in total political expenditures and $5,291.72 in “total political contributions maintained as of the last day of reporting period.”

Conley, a Wimberley resident, has a long history with county government. He served as commissioner for Pct. 3 from 2004 until he resigned last year in order to focus on the race for county judge.

Becerra, who lives in San Marcos, is a local business owner. He came within three dozen votes of being elected mayor of San Marcos in 2016, losing to John Thomaides, who announced last week he will seek re-election.

The last day for a candidate to file and appear on the ballot for the Nov. 6 General Election is Monday, Aug. 20.