Incumbent Assembly member, Eduardo Garcia, announced in December that he would not seek re-election to the District 36 seat. On Nov. 5, Jose “Joey” Acuña and Jeff Gonzalez are the two candidates battling to replace Garcia in Sacramento.

Acuña is the Democratic candidate and Gonzalez is the Republican candidate.

As of Sept. 21, their expenditures in the race and available cash are surprisingly similar.

From Jan. 1 through Oct. 19

Acuña

Since Oct. 19, Acuña has reported receiving nearly $166,000, of which $130,000 came from the State Democratic Party and another $14,000 from Democratic candidates in other races.

With total contributions greater than $680,000, Democratic organizations are investing significant funding in keeping this seat on the Democratic side of the aisle.

The largest single contribution was $180,000 from the California Democratic Party. That is in addition to another eleven contributions totaling another $290.000. The Los Angeles Democratic Party has donated $100,000 and the Riverside County Democratic Party has contributed $80,000. And four Democratic Assembly candidates have sent Acuña $5,500 each.

Acuña has received contributions from employee groups such as the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, United Food and Commercial Workers and the State Council of Service Employees as well as from several local tribes –. Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the Twenty-nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.

He also has received two $5,500 donations from Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and one from Assemblyman Garcia.

Gonzalez

Since Oct. 19, Gonzalez has received about another $112,000 in contributions. Slightly more than a third ($40,000) from the California Republican Party. They are his largest contributor, having previously donated sent more than $650,000 to him.

The Sacramento County Republican Party contributed $60,000 last week and two smaller local Republican entities had contributed $5,500 earlier in the year.

During this period, no other single contribution has been greater than $10,000. The Riverside Sheriff’s Association Public Education Fund has contributed $5,000 and Cal Fire Local 2881 contributed $1,500. He has received seven contributions from individuals totaling $12,500.