Two Central Valley Senate incumbents have early fundraising leads

SACRAMENTO -- In two closely watched contests in the San Joaquin Valley, incumbent Republican Sens. Anthony Cannella and Andy Vidak hold early but significant leads in fundraising as they compete to hold onto newly drawn districts targeted by Democratic leaders.

In the newly drawn 14th Senate District, Vidak of Hanford (who currently represents the 16th District) is running for reelection to the upper house against two Democrats, Fresno School Board member Luis Chavez and King County Supervisor Richard Valle.

Democrats make up 48% of the registered voters in the new district, while Republicans account for 31%, and those with no party affiliation make up 18%.

Vidak, who won the seat last year in a special election, reported raising $209,305 as of Dec. 31, and had $182,788 left in his campaign account.

Chavez reported raising $1,550 and having that amount left in the bank at the end of the period. Valle said he has not yet raised any money but plans to file papers to form a campaign committee next week.

In the newly redrawn 12th Senate District, incumbent Cannella of Ceres is running for reelection and has a big fundraising lead over a Democratic opponent, Tom Hallinan, the Patterson city attorney.

Cannella on Friday reported his campaign raised $515,295 last year and had $829,788 in the bank to begin the new year.

Hallinan trailed in fundraising, bringing in $10,784 last year and having $6,592 left in the bank. His campaign also still owes him $8,500 of a $50,000 loan he made to his campaign in 2012.

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patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com