Several Dallas City Council members most likely to face re-election challenges next year are girding for that by raising money early and often, a new round of campaign finance reports indicates.

District 3 council member Dave Neumann, in his first term, led all council members by raising more than $78,000 during the first half of this year.

Former District 3 council member and 2007 mayoral runner-up Ed Oakley is strongly considering running against Mr. Neumann, and reported raising more than $30,000 between Jan. 1 and June 30 despite making no official decision about his political future.

"We have seen a tremendous turnaround on this council, and I'm very pleased with the feedback I'm getting about our work from people both in the district and throughout the city of Dallas," Mr. Neumann said.

District 14 council member Angela Hunt reported nearly $61,000 in contributions, largely on the strength of a June fundraiser. She boasts the council's second-fattest campaign account, with more than $53,000.

"I was blown away by the support," Ms. Hunt said, adding that she's "not focusing on any opponent. I have enough issues on my plate right now."

Four-term District 13 council member Mitchell Rasansky reported nearly $170,000 in cash on hand but must step down next June because of term limits.

Campaign finance laws will allow him to use money not needed for campaign purposes in a variety of ways, including donating it to charity.

Former District 11 council member Lois Finkelman this year did just that before officially closing her campaign account. Off the council since 2005, she reports donating more than $41,000 in surplus campaign cash to a variety of charities and organizations.

Mayor Tom Leppert reported less than $3,000 in campaign cash on hand ­ and $932,000 in loans outstanding from his 2007 campaign, which he largely self-financed. Political aide Laura Reed said Mr. Leppert will conduct a November fundraiser during which he hopes to raise more than $500,000.