LYNN — As the race for School Committee enters the final weeks, incumbent Jared Nicholson is in the best financial position to lock up more votes.
First elected to the School Committee in 2015, Nicholson has the biggest amount of cash since last month’s primary. As of Sept. 4, the most recent reporting period, he had $5,843 in the bank, according to the City Clerk.
Most the money raised during that period, about $5,416, was from the candidate. Nicholson placed fifth in a field of 10 candidates in last month’s primary election with 1,786 votes.
Challenger Elizabeth Rosario Gervacio, who finished near the bottom with 1,103 votes, has the second highest amount of campaign funds. She reported a balance of $1,694 going into the final election.
Donna Coppola, who topped the ticket with 3,102 votes, has $1,115 in the bank as the second half of the race gets into gear. The incumbent School Committeewoman received more votes than any candidate running for office this fall with the exception of state Sen Thomas M. McGee (D-Lynn), who captured 4,219 votes in the race to unseat Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy.
Michael Satterwhite reported $855, followed by School Committeewoman Lorraine Gately with $180, challenger Brian Castellanos, who had a strong showing with 1,828 votes, had $173, Natasha Megie-Maddrey was next with $30, and School Committeeman John Ford had just $19 left in his campaign account.
Jessica Murphy, who received 1,132 votes, and Cherish Casey, who finished last with 689 votes, did not file reports with the City Clerk.
The decision on who will hold the seven seats on the panel will be decided on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
