The four candidates running to succeed former Sen. and now U.S. Rep.-elect Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) were required to file 8-day-out campaign finance reports on Monday. They became available online today (Tuesday).

Rep. Ana Hernandez

Rep. Ana Hernandez

Rep. Carol Alvarado

Rep. Carol Alvarado

For the period, the length of which is different for each candidate, Rep. Ana Hernandez (D-Houston) narrowly out-raised Rep. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston), but Alvarado outspent Hernandez nearly 2-to-1. Since July 1, Alvarado has out-raised Hernandez, $192K to $127K, and outspent her, $459K to $198K.

From October 28 to December 1, Alvarado reported raising $115K and spending $381K. She has $172K on hand. Her largest contributors for the period included HillCo PAC ($10K), AT&T Texas PAC ($5K), Austin racetrack executive Robert Epstein ($5K) and Texas Oil & Gas Assoc. PAC ($5K).

Hernandez reported raising $127K and spending $198K from July 1 to December 1. She has $147K on hand. Her largest contributors for the period included Plumbers Local Union No. 68 PAC ($11K), Teamsters Local Union No. 988 PAC ($11K), Texas Trial Lawyers Assoc. PAC ($10K), Pipefitters Local Union No. 211 COPE PAC ($5K), Texas Assoc. of Realtors TREPAC ($5K).

The other two candidates reported minimal contributions. Republican Martha Fierro raised $4K and spent $1K from November 15 to December 1. She has $4K on hand. Her largest contributors were Rep. Briscoe Cain ($1K) and San Jacinto Republican Women ($1K). Democrat Mia Mundy reported no contributions or expenditures and no cash on hand, but her reporting period covered just six days.

Meanwhile, fewer than 500 people voted in person and by mail today. Through nine days of early voting, fewer than 8K people have voted, two thirds of which have done so by mail. Turnout so far is around 2.4%.

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