The latest campaign finance reports for St. Petersburg’s District 6 City Council race show a sharp divide in resources between candidates Linsey Grove and Terri Lee Balliet, underscoring two very different campaign operations heading into the final stretch of the year.
Balliet reported raising $18,445 since July, bringing her total fundraising to $25,885 since entering the race. Her campaign spent nearly $6,000 during the same period on consulting, printing and local events. The filings show consistent support from business owners, attorneys and nonprofit leaders across the region.
The quarter also coincided with Balliet receiving an endorsement from former mayor Rick Kriseman, which likely helped boost support.
Grove’s report told a different story. She raised $1,918 for the quarter and spent just under $1,000, most of it on outreach and digital tools. Her donor list consisted mostly of small, individual contributions.
Grove, a public health practitioner and small business owner, has emphasized public involvement in local government. “We have a lot of residents who are disengaged because they may not realize how much local government impacts their daily lives,” she said.
Balliet, a nonprofit executive who has received backing from business and civic donors, said she wants to make the city easier to navigate for residents and small businesses. “We need less red tape and fewer delays for small businesses and community projects,” she said.
Both candidates’ financial reports were filed with the city clerk earlier this month and cover activity through Sept. 30. The next set of filings, due later this year, will show whether their financial divide continues to widen.