In the race for Wake County school board, District 7 candidate Jacob Arthur is making a surprising leap forward in spending. The Republican has spent the most out of the 29 candidates vying for the nine district seats, with a total of $8,684. Arthur also tops the charts for money in the bank with more than $20,000.
Several incumbents also have hefty war chests, although they’ve spent less than Arthur so far. District 7 board member Chris Heagarty has $18,579 on hand, followed by chair Lindsay Mahaffey, with $14,336, in District 8.
Conservative activist Robert Luddy is also making his dollars count with large donations to Republican candidates. Luddy, who openly defended Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, gave $2,500 to Wing Ng in District 3 and $3,000 to Steve Bergstrom in District 8. Both districts are currently represented by Democrats.
Support independent local journalism. Join the INDY Press Club to help us keep fearless watchdog reporting and essential arts and culture coverage viable in the Triangle.
Follow Staff Writer Jasmine Gallup on Twitter or send an email to jgallup@indyweek.com.
