Saikat Chakrabarti, Connie Chan spending furiously to secure No. 2 spot in June primary

Saikat Chakrabarti has invested nearly $10 million into his own campaign ahead of the June 2 primary, spending at least $8.8 million so far on TV spots, digital ads, and mailers to compete with District 1 supervisor Connie Chan. Chan and Chakrabarti are close in the polls, with State Sen. Scott Wiener viewed as the leading candidate for first place. California’s jungle primary system advances the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, to the November general election. Chakrabarti can add more money at any time and has already contributed an additional $1.1 million recently. Chan has raised about $651,000 and had limited cash on hand, but is also spending quickly on advertising and core campaign operations. Chan benefits from greater name recognition and a major endorsement from Nancy Pelosi, which could influence votes and future fundraising.

"Chakrabarti is flooding the zone to get his name out: Filings show he has spent at least $8.8 million already - almost all of the money he's raised - taking out TV spots, cutting digital ads, mailing flyers, and doing whatever possible to edge out his progressive rival, District 1 supervisor Connie Chan."

"While State Sen. Scott Wiener is a favorite for the No. 1 spot in June, Chan and Chakrabarti are neck and neck in the polls, and vying for second place. Because of California's jungle primary system, the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the general."

"And Chakrabarti can dump more money into his campaign at any point: He put in another $1.1 million just last week, and has said he'll spend whatever it takes. Chan has far less money than Chakrabarti - she does not have deep pockets, and must fundraise - but is spending equally quickly."

"Still, Chan has far more name recognition in San Francisco owing to her five years on the Board of Supervisors. And on Monday, Chan received the priceless endorsement of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. With the primary so close, that pick may be more valuable for winning votes than raising money."

Read at Mission Local