Four weeks removed from her Nov. 4 defeat, Leticia Van de Putte, the failed Democratic Lt. governor candidate, is already tapping supporters for political donations in her quest to become San Antonio’s next mayor.
Van de Putte announced her candidacy on Nov. 19 – only two weeks after losing to state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, in the general election.
On Monday she sent an email to supporters soliciting financial support.
“I want to let you in on some really exciting news: after being called by business and community leaders, many prayers and lots of deliberation with my family, I’ve decided to take a new step in my public service to this great state -- I’m running to be the next mayor of San Antonio,” Van de Putte says in the email.
“I’m so grateful for the support you gave me through 2014, and I hope you’re just as excited as I am for what 2015 will bring. That’s why I’m humbly asking for your support in this important race. Can you chip in $1, $5 or more to help us raise the resources we’ll need to win?”
During her campaign for lt. governor, Van de Putte raised millions of dollars. By the end of October, she had more than $1.4 million remaining in her war chest, campaign records show.
Although final tallies haven’t been released yet, Van de Putte will most likely be well armed heading into 2015.
From 2009 through half of 2014, Julian Castor reigned as mayor until becoming the 16th U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on July 28, creating the current opening.
So far, Van de Putte faces competition within her own party from San Antionian State Rep. Mike Villarreal.
Van de Putte already seeking donations for bid to become San Antonio’s next mayor
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