Yudy Deng Led Palo Alto Council Fundraising Efforts
Three city council seats remain open as candidates report their latest campaign finance figures.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Philanthropy

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Palo Alto City Council candidate Yudy Deng has raised $166,128 to support her run for one of three open seats. This total comes as other contenders report their own fundraising progress ahead of the upcoming election.
Why it matters
Understanding the financial backing of local candidates helps residents gauge the resources available to each campaign. These figures provide a window into the donor base supporting those vying for seats on the city council.
Deng secured 41 of her 135 donations from Palo Alto residents, while Bryna Chang received 107 of 139 donations locally. Ed Lauing gathered 64 of 67 donations from within the city, and Raymond Goins reported raising $1,200.
The players
Yudy Deng
She is a candidate for the Palo Alto City Council who has raised $166,128 for her campaign.
Bryna Chang
She is a city council candidate who reported raising $85,118 as of September 19.
Ed Lauing
He is a candidate for city council who has raised $36,122.
Raymond Goins
He is a candidate for the Palo Alto City Council who has reported raising $1,200.
The details
Candidates have utilized different strategies to build their war chests, with Deng soliciting support from personal networks in the nonprofit sector and Bellevue, Washington. The fundraising totals highlight the varying degrees of local versus external financial support entering the municipal race.
Timeline
September 9, 2026: Yudy Deng discussed her fundraising strategy.
September 19, 2026: Fundraising reporting cutoff for Bryna Chang.
October 5, 2026: Official ballots will be distributed to Palo Alto voters.
Market Landscape
Comparing current campaign fundraising to the 2022 Lythcott-Haims fundraising total of $69,561 illustrates how financial engagement in local elections is evolving. This shift in spending levels reflects the increasing intensity of competition for the three available city council seats.
These fundraising totals provide residents with information about which candidates have the most significant financial backing as they prepare to vote. The campaign finance reports help voters identify the scale and source of support for the individuals seeking to represent the community.
The takeaway
Voters can use this candidate financial data as one metric to evaluate the priorities and support networks of those seeking office. Informed participation begins with understanding how campaigns manage their resources before the final ballots are cast.
What happens next
Election ballots will be distributed to voters on October 5, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local campaign funding and civic activity, visit Palo Alto Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Palo Alto Daily Post.
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