Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler is way ahead in fundraising when compared to his Republican opponent in the March 3 primary as well as the two candidates in the running for the Democratic nomination.

Cutler, of Driftwood, reported $3,500 total political contributions and $5,626.75 in political expenditures on Jan. 31. On that date, he also reported $47,028.27 cash on hand.

Cutler’s financial report showed $1,150 raised from within Hays County and $2,350 in contributions coming from outside the county. The largest donor, $1,000, was reported as Laurie Brown of Austin.

Cutler’s GOP challenger David Graham, of Dripping Springs, who filed his report on Jan. 13, showed $3,624.32 in total political contributions and $4,226.80 in expenditures. As of the filing of the report, he said he had $2,903 on hand.

Graham reported $1,653 in contributions from within Hays County and $1,150 from outside. The largest single donation was $600 from Ernest Ferro of Dripping Springs.

On the Democratic side, Richard “Dicky” Haverda of Kyle reported $150 in total political contributions and $121.52 in expenditures. His financial report was filed Jan. 31.

All of his monetary donations came from within Hays County with the largest, $100, from Sherman Brodbeck of Wimberley.

Alex Villalobos of Kyle, also running in the Democratic primary, reported $2,100 in political contributions and $1,203.15 in expenses on his financial report, which was filed  Jan. 15, at which time he also said he had $896.85 cash on hand.

Villalobos reported $900 raised within Hays County and $150 coming from elsewhere. The largest donation, $750, was made by Chevo Pastrano of San Marcos.

Early voting for the primaries will begin Feb. 18 and run through Feb. 28. Hays County voters may cast their ballots at any of the county’s voting centers.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.