Disclaimer: The comments in this blog are my personal opinion and may or may not reflect an adopted position of the city of Glendale and its city council.
Recently I reviewed the first quarter campaign finance filings that cover January through March 2026. There are four filings. Michael Calles and Lisa Baker running in the Barrel district and incumbent Leandro Baldenegro and Rory Goree running in the Ocotillo District.
Neither Baldenegro nor Goree have much in the way of financing as of March 31, 2026. Goree raised a total of $160.00 from three donations: Jordan McPherson with $20.00; Tim McPherson with $40.00; and Kathleen Collins with $100.00. Goree has spent $40.00 for the printing of business cards. He retains a campaign balance of $120.00
Baldenegro received a cumulative total of $100 in amounts under $100.00 and has spent nothing. In the battle of name recognition Baldenegro has the lead as the incumbent. More residents are likely to have heard of him.
Both have not demonstrated that they are actively campaigning. Neither have raised enough to get signs or mailers. Perhaps we’ll see if they have raised enough to mount public campaigns in their next filings due shortly, by July 15, next week.
In the Barrel district there is more activity. Lisa Baker raised $6527.33 and spent $4641.33 to date. Some of her contributors are of note. Robert Heidt, former CEO of the Glendale Chamber and now CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber donated $259.63. Theresa Seifert of Vescio & Seifert, a downtown Glendale law firm, donated $425.88 (YTD). Kathy Goree, wife of Octotillo candidate Rory Goree donated $200.00. Richard Evangelini, owner of multiple downtown Glendale properties, donated $1500.00. It’s apparent that Baker’s donations are predominantly from downtown Glendale. Wait a minute! The Barrell district does not include downtown Glendale.
In disbursements those that are of note are a loan repayment to herself in the amount of $775.31; and $1077.56 for door hangers and yard signs. The next filing will tell us more about who is supporting Baker. Is it downtown Glendale interests or Barrell residents?
The other Barrell district candidate, Michael Calles, has raised $30,037.06 to date and spent $17,630.95. He is mounting a well-organized campaign and demonstrates his commitment to representing the interests of Barrell district residents.
His largest donations of at least $1,000 or more are from Jeff Corbin, Peoria; Sharon Reece, New River; Harriet Bennett, Phoenix; Alex Berzow, Scottsdale; David Schwartz, Phoenix; John Crow, Scottsdale; Robert Altamirano, Glendale; and Mark Calles, Glendale. His major expenses have been for several campaign kick off events; consulting fees; signs and flyers.
In terms of fundraising here is the ranking;
- Incumbent Ocotillo councilmember Leandro Baldenegro $100
- Ocotillo candidate Rory Goree $160
- Barrell candidate Lisa Baker $6,527.33
- Barrell candidate Michael Calles $30,037.06
In terms of expenditures here is the ranking:
- Incumbent Ocotillo councilmember Leandro Baldenegro $0
- Ocotillo candidate Rory Goree $40
- Barrell candidate Lisa Baker $4,641.33
- Barrell candidate Michael Calles $17,630.95
The next two campaign finance filings will tell us a great deal more. Stay tuned.
© Joyce Clark, 2026
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