Arizona’s Senate race is shaping up to be a fierce battleground, with Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego making significant strides in fundraising, amassing a whopping $7.5 million in the first quarter of 2024. Doubling his efforts from the previous quarter of 2023, Gallego now boasts an impressive $9.6 million in cash on hand, firmly establishing his position in the race.
With seven months remaining until Election Day and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) opting not to seek re-election, the path seems clearer for a Gallego vs. Lake showdown.
Gallego’s formidable fundraising prowess presents a formidable challenge for Kari Lake, the former TV anchor and gubernatorial hopeful, who raised $2.1 million in the last quarter of 2023. Despite this, Lake’s chances may see a surge as Republican supporters potentially rally behind her candidacy in the wake of Sinema’s exit from the race.
According to reports from The Hill, Gallego’s campaign has garnered substantial grassroots support, with 98% of contributions coming from donations of $200 or less. Impressively, 100,000 individuals contributed to Gallego’s campaign last cycle, half of whom were first-time donors.
Nichole Johnson, Gallego’s campaign manager, emphasized the broad-based support, stating, “Thanks to the support of hundreds of thousands of small-dollar donors, we are building the infrastructure to win this November.” She underscored Gallego’s commitment to defending abortion rights, reducing family costs, and supporting veterans.
As the race intensifies, Lake’s strategy to counter Gallego’s fundraising dominance will be pivotal. With the deadline for first-quarter fundraising reports approaching, Lake must mobilize her base and secure the necessary funds to compete effectively.
Despite potential financial support from outside groups, Lake faces challenges in matching Gallego’s direct campaign funds, particularly in television advertising. Gallego has already made significant strides in defining his candidacy through early TV ads, amplifying his message to a statewide audience.
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