Incumbent Senator Kirsten Sinema had shown clear signs that the campaign was largely on the ballot over the past three months, but the Democrats running for her seat again outscored her over the same period. raised funds.
Arizona Cinema has raised nearly $1.7 million and spent more than $800,000, according to records filed Saturday, but she’s officially kept quiet about her re-election plans.
Arizona Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, on the other hand, brought in $3.1 million. His surgery cost him about $2.3 million, which so far has only cut cinema’s hefty financial advantage over him by a narrow margin.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, the only prominent Republican in the campaign to this point, raised $608,000 in the first round of fundraising, but had a lackluster debut. did not dissuade him from participating in the Republican nominee race.
In a statement vaguely targeting Gallego, without making her intentions clear, the Cinema campaign claimed the senator was focused on her job, not on political competition.
“Arizonas are sick and tired of extreme career candidates who keep saying and doing whatever it takes to raise more money,” the statement said.
“Kirsten promised the people of Arizona that she would be an independent senator who would provide lasting solutions, and she delivered just that. We remain focused on solving problems.”
In the broadest sense, the period from April to June followed a similar trajectory for both the Cinema and Gallego campaigns.
Again, Gallego’s total revenue was heavily dependent on small donors. Cinemas relies on a relatively small number of donors to write large checks, many of which have ties to the financial industry she helps oversee in the Senate.
Gallego raised about $3.1 million from private donors and about $53,000 from the Political Action Committee. About 56% of Gallego’s individual donors in the second quarter donated less than his $200 to his campaign, the level that requires public identification.
Cinema’s campaign raised $689,000 from individual donors, $235,000 from PAC, and $726,000 from PAC in partnership with Cinema. This provides another way for wealthy donors to contribute beyond standard donation limits.
Of cinema individual donors, 99% donated $200 or more.
This is an unusual mix of campaign funds that effectively de-emphasizes individual donors, especially small donors who are often seen as barometers of broad support.
Continue reading: Luxury travel and fine wine are now part of Senator Kirsten Cinema’s image. Will voters care?
By comparison, Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, who was re-elected last year and has more than five years left in office, doesn’t appear to be particularly keen on campaign funds and has more individual donors than cinema. raised funds from Who will be able to face the voters next year?
Kelly raised $791,000 from individuals, but most donors made less than $200. He also received his $7,000 from PAC.
Cinema has filed preliminary papers to seek re-election, but has not formally said he is seeking a second six-year term.
Cinema maintained its financial advantage over Gallego. Cinema’s campaign totaled $9.9 million at the end of March. It was $10.8 million at the end of June.
By comparison, Gallego’s cash reserves increased from $2.7 million to $3.8 million heading into July.
Cinema’s campaign once again received notable support from the financial industry, including Blackstone and Crescent Capital.
Her campaign also raised at least $39,000 from airline executives and their advocates. Airline executives also donated more than $23,000 to her Cinema Leadership Fund in the second quarter. The SLF transferred her $726,000 to the Ordinary Election Commission.
The Senate failed to pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s relicensing bill, in part because of a clause favored by cinema and Republicans that could relax pilot training requirements if the FAA deems it safer.
Many Democrats oppose the provision, as do pilot unions.
