Republican Paul Black, the Bayfield rancher running for the District 3 seat on the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners, raised about $11,000 more than his opponent, Democratic incumbent Matt Salka.
According to the first round of finance reports, which both campaigns filed with the state last week, Black raised $18,775 and Salka raised $7,403.
Both candidates are running unopposed in their party’s respective primaries on June 25, and will face one another in November. District 3 is rooted in Bayfield and spans the eastern half of the county. But it is an at-large election, meaning all eligible voters in La Plata County can weigh in on the race.
Salka has not spent any money. Black spent $3,410, leaving him with $14,364 as of May 30.
The La Plata County Republican Central Committee gave Black $10,000, and the La Plata County Democratic Central Committee gave Salka $5,000.
Despite the significant gap in their fundraising, Salka said he is not concerned.
“It’s still the beginning. This is our first reporting period. (I’m) really just focusing on engaging the public,” he said, noting that his opponent out-fundraised and outspent him in 2020 as well.
Black, for whom this foray into politics is his first, said he has spent significant time connecting with his community.
“I think the No. 1 thing that a lot of people have asked and are excited about is diversity in a board,” he said.
All three county commissioners, which hail from each of the county’s three districts but are elected at-large, are Democrats.
Excluding the party’s donation and $100 that Black’s wife donated to open a campaign account, Black received donations from eight individuals, three of whom share a last name and contributed close to the maximum contribution of $1,425.
He also received a $1,000 donation from Lew Webb, who is running for Congress.
Salka received donations from 14 individuals, not including the party contribution, none of which exceeded $500.
Both candidates have secured donations from leaders within their own party.
Black said as the campaign ramps up, he will continue with what he is calling a “boots on the ground” approach.
Salka said his approach is similar.
“I’m going to continue working as county commissioner, and when I’m not working as county commissioner, I’m out there engaging the public,” he said.
rschafir@durangoherald.com
