Donors are staying strong behind the House GOP as fundraisers have set a new dollar high in their record-shattering bid to retain control of Congress.
Boosted by the NASCAR pace of fundraising by Speaker Paul Ryan, the National Republican Congressional Committee on Tuesday will report that it raised $24.1 million in the second quarter of 2017.
That is not only the best second quarter for an off-year election, but it is the best second quarter ever, according to officials.
And at $60 million raised so far this year, it is the best first six month period ever for the NRCC.
Another Ryan fundraising record for GOP, $32.7M in off-year https://t.co/YwwTd7IIvj via @dcexaminer
— NRCC (@NRCC) July 14, 2017
At this point, the NRCC has $33.7 million cash on hand, more than double any previous off-year election June.
Credit goes to Ryan, who has turned over $21.7 million of his fundraising efforts to the NRCC, and the committee’s indefatigable Chairman Rep. Steve Stivers of Ohio.
“Fundraising is the ultimate team effort, and the NRCC and House leadership is firing on all cylinders. With a record breaking first half of the year in the books, we’re committed to continuing our push towards a successful 2018 cycle,” he told Secrets.
The key details:
- $7.5 million raised in last month, best off-year June since 2005.
- Best 2nd quarter fundraising ever $24.1 million.
- Best first six month fundraising ever, $60 million.
- Cash on hand total, $33.7 million, over double any previous off-year June.
- Ryan transferred $2 million to the NRCC in June, and has to date contributed $21.7 million in direct transfers and helped raise $3.3 million through mail and email bearing his name.
After the @DCCC was mocked for their ridiculous stickers, we decided to help them with our own slogan https://t.co/t728zVpg8G pic.twitter.com/wj7EWrwRsi
— NRCC (@NRCC) July 5, 2017
Secrets last week reported on Ryan’s similar success. His campaign and political action committee raised $32.7 million so far this year.
“The sustained support for Paul Ryan and the Republican agenda reflects the desire in this country to get things done,” said Kevin Seifert, the top political aide to Ryan and executive director of Team Ryan.
“People want to see results and that’s what House Republicans, under Paul Ryan’s leadership, are providing. Speaker Ryan and House Republicans remain committed to delivering for the American people and Team Ryan is going to keep raising the resources to help our members and candidates get that message out,” he add last week.
The fundraising boost comes at a good time, when political pundits are claiming that the GOP is in trouble and could lose control of the chambers. Fundraising experts suggest instead that donors and voters remain strong behind the GOP.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
