Why a local election in Sonoma County is getting big money attention

A billboard along Highway 101 keeps reminding drivers about Todd Lands, one of three candidates running to fill an open seat on Sonoma County’s Board of Supervisors. The ad pushes his slogan "Less Talk. More Action, " but the real story behind Lands might be who’s paying for it. Campaign records show a single donor, Molly Flater, poured $150, 000 into an independent group supporting Lands. That’s more than double what any other outside group has spent in this race so far. Flater isn’t just any donor—she’s the COO of Gallaher Companies, a big local developer, and her family has a history of heavy political spending. In 2020, she spent nearly $2 million to block a sales tax measure for public transit. Lands’ opponents have less flashy funding. Tom Schwedhelm, a former police chief and Santa Rosa mayor, leads in total donations with $154, 595, mostly from businesses and political action committees tied to his strong Santa Rosa base. Melanie Bagby, the third candidate, has raised about $85, 000, mostly from smaller donors and labor groups.What makes this race stand out isn’t just the money—it’s how early and aggressively it’s being spent. Experts say campaigns often hold back big donations until a runoff, but Flater’s early move signals a high-stakes battle ahead. The independent group backing Lands isn’t just promoting him; it’s sending a message to rivals about what’s coming. Political science professor David McCuan compares it to a negotiation—where the first big spend shows who’s willing to fight hardest. The billboard itself isn’t new territory for the Gallaher family. Earlier this year, Gallaher Community Housing, another family-affiliated group, used the same spot to push for lower building fees to boost affordable housing. That ad coincided with a push from developers arguing high fees slow down construction. The billboard often features ads for Poppy Bank, where Bill Gallaher serves as chairman. With the June 2 primary just weeks away, the race could still shift. Mail-in ballots are already out, and the first vote centers open May 23. If no one wins a majority, the top two vote-getters will face off in November. Early spending hints at a tough fight ahead, but smaller donors and volunteer power could still play a big role in shaping the outcome.