According to official filings covering June 8 through June 23, Tordillos has raised a total of $360,734, while Chavez-Lopez has brought in $261,029. Tordillos has also spent the bulk of his funds—$348,761—leaving him with just under $12,000 cash in hand. Chavez-Lopez, though trailing in total funds raised, has approximately $28,780 remaining. A significant portion of Tordillos' campaign has been self-financed, including a $20,000 loan and $210,000 in direct contributions to his committee.
Tordillos’ campaign describes this financial support as a reflection of both his personal commitment and grassroots momentum. His team points to a surge in community donations and local enthusiasm as a reason for his ability to exceed expectations. With a background in engineering and more than a decade in the tech industry, Tordillos positions himself as a pragmatic problem-solver ready to represent downtown constituents.
Chavez-Lopez, on the other hand, emphasizes her history of community service and grassroots organizing. While acknowledging the fundraising gap, she asserts that her strength lies in direct voter engagement and support from small donors, families, and neighborhood groups. She has openly criticized what she sees as her opponent’s reliance on self-funding, arguing that her campaign reflects a broader coalition of public support.
Special interest spending has also reshaped the race. Over $800,000 has been spent independently by political committees since the start of the campaign. In recent days, four major PACs have emerged to back Tordillos, including a labor-sponsored committee formed in June that has spent more than $39,000. Other contributors include groups aligned with law enforcement and regional developers. Altogether, PACs have spent $118,449 to support Tordillos.
Chavez-Lopez, meanwhile, has drawn substantial outside backing from labor organizations. One regional labor council alone has spent more than $568,000 in her favor since the beginning of the race. In total, independent expenditures supporting her candidacy amount to over $622,000. Other PACs aligned with working families have also contributed tens of thousands to her efforts.
However, Chavez-Lopez has been the target of a significant amount of opposition spending as well. More than $336,000 has been spent against her by PACs linked to real estate, business interests, and development groups. These entities argue her policy positions would be harmful to business and housing growth in the city. Chavez-Lopez has rejected claims of corporate affiliation, stating her campaign receives no funding or influence from utility companies or other large corporations.
Tordillos, while supported by various PACs, has not received the same level of opposition spending. Critics of his campaign have pointed to the high percentage of personal funds he has used, arguing it signals a lack of broader public backing. His supporters, however, say this self-investment is evidence of his determination and belief in the race’s importance.
This special election was triggered after the previous councilmember resigned following a legal investigation. The April primary saw Chavez-Lopez leading with 29% of the vote. Tordillos followed after a recount removed another frontrunner from the race. The two are now competing to represent a district that includes downtown San Jose and plays a pivotal role in shaping the city’s housing, transit, and economic agenda.
The race has drawn attention not only for its financial scale but for the strong contrasts between the candidates. Chavez-Lopez brings a history of advocacy for equity, social programs, and participatory governance. Tordillos promotes infrastructure knowledge, planning expertise, and technocratic management, appealing to voters looking for steady leadership and civic know-how.
Tuesday’s results will determine who will fill this critical city council seat and what direction the city may take on key policy issues. As the campaigns make their final push and last-minute voters weigh their decisions, the district awaits a new representative to lead in a time of change and challenge. With record levels of special interest money and a deeply engaged electorate, this race could mark a turning point in how local politics is shaped in San Jose.
