The cost of running for mayor as one of the fastest growing cities in California may actually surprise you.

While the cost of campaigns has skyrocketed in some Central Valley communities – one candidate running for Manteca’s mayoral seat has raised more than $50,000 – that trend has yet to arrive in Lathrop.

If current spending trends continue, the race for Lathrop’s mayoral seat – between 5-time incumbent Sonny Dhaliwal and political newcomer John Thanh Do – will be completed for less than $6,000 total.

According to California Fair Political Practices Commission filings that reported income and expenses through Oct. 22, both candidates have spent only $5,645.55 – and both campaigns had less than $300 between them at the time that the finances were reported.

Dhaliwal, who if reelected would be on his sixth term at the helm of the fast-growing city, took in just over $5,500 in contributions for the race, while Do self-funded for just under $1,500.

Interestingly, incumbent councilman Paul Akinjo – who is vying for one of the two available seats along with fellow incumbent Diane Lazard and challenger Christina Campoy-Laughlin – has actually spent more money in this election cycle than Dhaliwal. According to Akinjo’s most recent filing, he has spent $6,768 this cycle – taking in $5,302 in contributions and sitting at $350 in the red for cash on hand.

Lazard has taken in $2,302 this year in contributions but has so far spent nothing. Campoy-Laughlin signaled in previous FPPC Paperwork that she would be spending less than $2,000 this election cycle.

If all those spending trends continue – and if Campoy-Laughlin were to spend right up to the $2,000 line – then the entire Lathrop council race for the three seats up for grabs would cost the campaigns less than $16,000 combined.

To contact Bulletin reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.