GOP strategist has 'real concern' over freshmen Democrats raising $24 million
The new funds will help House Democrats protect their majority in the 2020 elections.
The House freshmen Democrats are a thorn in Trump’s side, and they plan on sticking around for a while.
On Tuesday, National Journal reported swing-seat freshmen Democrats raised $24 million over the past three months, “a staggering sum that will provide an early fortification for key House battlegrounds and complicate Republicans’ attempts to reclaim the majority.”
Democrats reclaimed the House majority after the 2018 midterm elections, and these fundraising numbers could be enough to scare away some would-be Republican challengers.
“Freshmen raising such a big amount so quickly — that causes real concern,” Doug Heye, a veteran GOP strategist, told the Journal.
One of the top fundraisers was Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), who defeated Republican Mimi Walters in an Orange County, California, seat in 2018. This quarter, Porter raised more than $1 million, with an average contribution of just $42.
“The strength of my campaign comes from grassroots supporters, who are energized by my work in holding special interests accountable and standing up for Orange County families,” Porter said in a statement. “I am proud to reject corporate PAC money and thankful for the thousands of working families who gave what they could.”
According to the Journal, 33 freshmen Democrats raised more than $500,000 over the past three months, and 23 start July with $900,000 or more in the bank.
“These are some massive numbers that say this is going to be a fully funded campaign,” Heye noted.
While Democrats were successful in flipping control of the House in 2018, members are taking nothing for granted in 2020.
“The only way to keep the House in Democratic hands in 2020 is by defending the individuals who flipped seats last year,” Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), a member of the moderate New Democrat Coalition (New Dems), said in a statement.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), the party arm focused on the House, celebrated the overall fundraising strength of Democrats, especially in a non-election year.
“I’m an athlete and my coaches always taught me that you win in the off-season,” Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL), chair of the DCCC, said in a statement.
Freshmen Democrats may be new to Washington, but judging by their fundraising numbers, they are eager to stay here and deliver on the promises they made to constituents.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.
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