Fundraising gap shapes District 4 supervisor race in El Dorado County
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — Newly filed campaign finance disclosures are offering a clearer picture of the financial landscape in the race for El Dorado County’s 4th District Board of Supervisors seat, where four candidates are competing to replace outgoing Supervisor Lori Parlin.
The filings show a significant fundraising advantage for former state lawmaker Ted Gaines, who leads the field in both total contributions and cash on hand as the June primary election approaches.
According to disclosures current through mid-April, Gaines reported approximately $36,900 in available funds. His campaign entered the year with about $23,000 and has since raised an additional $44,950, while spending roughly $31,000.
By comparison, business executive and former Civil Grand Jury member Gina Posey reported about $16,700 in available funds. Posey raised $10,400 this year, supplemented by a $5,000 personal loan, and has spent just over $6,000, largely on campaign literature and signage.
Attorney and school board member Greg Clark reported approximately $10,600 on hand. Clark began the year with minimal funds but raised nearly $15,400 and spent about $4,900, including campaign signage costs.
Retired business owner Robert J. Deitz II reported roughly $8,100 in available funds. His campaign raised about $10,300 and included a personal loan of approximately $2,800. Deitz has spent about $5,000 to date, with a significant portion directed toward campaign signs.
- Ted Gaines: Leads the field in fundraising.
- Total Funds Available: Approximately $36,900.
- Donations: Started the year with $23,000 and raised an additional $44,950.
- Spending: Has spent roughly $31,000 to date.
- Top Donors: His highest donors include multiple individuals from the Flater and Gallaher families, contributing $5,900 each.
- Gina Posey:
- Total Funds Available: Approximately $16,700.
- Donations: Started the year with $7,300 and raised $10,400.
- Loans: Loaned her own campaign $5,000.
- Spending: Has spent a little over $6,000, primarily on campaign literature and sign materials.
- Greg Clark:
- Total Funds Available: Approximately $10,600.
- Donations: Started with $100 and raised nearly $15,400.
- Spending: Has spent nearly $4,900, including $1,350 for campaign signs.
- Robert J. Deitz II:
- Total Funds Available: Approximately $8,100.
- Donations: Raised nearly $10,300 in cash donations.
- Loans: Issued a personal loan of roughly $2,800 to his campaign.
- Spending: Has spent $5,000 to date, including $3,300 for campaign signs.
The financial disparity underscores the competitive nature of the District 4 race, which covers northern El Dorado County communities including Rescue, Shingle Springs, Pilot Hill and Georgetown.
“The Board of Supervisors makes decisions that directly affect public safety, land use and the county budget,”
according to voter guidance materials published by The Sacramento Bee.
“These races often hinge not just on policy positions, but on candidates’ ability to reach voters.”
Top donors have also played a role in shaping the race. Gaines’ campaign, for example, received multiple large contributions of $5,900 each from members of the Flater and Gallaher families, while other candidates have relied more heavily on smaller donations and personal loans.
Election ahead
California’s primary election is scheduled for June 2, with voters in District 4 expected to decide among the four candidates in what remains one of the county’s most closely watched local races.
While fundraising totals provide insight into campaign momentum, the outcome will ultimately depend on voter turnout and candidate engagement across the district’s rural and suburban communities.
