The San Francisco 49ers spent $2.5 million on Santa Clara's mayoral race this year in the hopes that City Councilmember Anthony Becker would unseat incumbent Mayor Lisa Gillmor, who raised approximately $321,000 to her name.
Despite the 8-1 fundraising advantage, Becker conceded to Gillmor — a longtime critic of the team — on Wednesday. Results as of Thursday morning showed Gillmor leading 51.2% to 48.8%, with 687 votes separating the two candidates.
The 49ers and the city of Santa Clara have been locked in stadium-related disputes for years, and the team has spent millions on city council candidates as a result.