FEC recently released the Q1 fundraising numbers, and it’s always instructive as we head into mid term elections to see how everyone is doing.
Fresh off his tenure at the NRSC, Senator Roger Wicker had a pretty impressive fundraising campaign netting $465K in contributions in Q1. I think that number will go up substantially as we get closer to 2018. What you can read into the numbers is that he’s taking 2018 very seriously.
Sen. Roger Wicker
Total receipts in Q1 $465,597
Beginning Cash On Hand $1,620,434
Ending Cash On Hand $1,996,814
Following not too far behind in the cash on hand column is Rep. Bennie Thompson, Mississippi’s longest currently serving House member. Having not had substantial challenges in a long time, his campaign has been able to grow cash slowly over time.
Rep. Bennie Thompson
Total receipts in Q1 $55,052
Beginning Cash On Hand $1,256,941
Ending Cash On Hand $1,254,260
In the 3rd District, Gregg Harper is now sitting on a campaign war chest in a safe Republican district.
Rep. Gregg Harper
Total receipts in Q1 $73,800
Beginning Cash On Hand $669,121
Ending Cash On Hand $675,417
Rep. Steven Palazzo has fended off challenges from both his left and right flank over the last few cycles. It’s depleted his cash on hand to be sure, but he has found a way to defeat all comers so far.
Rep. Steven Palazzo
Total receipts in Q1 $71,350
Beginning Cash On Hand $231,698
Ending Cash On Hand $219,910
With this being his first rodeo, Kelly has worked really hard to consolidate the support in his district with lots of town halls and constituent outreach. With so many challengers in the race for the special election, it’s hard not to think that someone will challenge him in 2018. But so far, no word on who might do it or how legitimate that challenge might be. But he outraised the other House members in Q1, and that’s the sort of thing he needs to be doing.
Rep. Trent Kelly
Total receipts in Q1 $97,096
Beginning Cash On Hand $146,887
Ending Cash On Hand $129,748
Magnolia Tribune
