Three of Virginia’s top Democrats who have been plagued by scandals in recent months had difficulties raising money in an important election year for the state.
Gov. Ralph Northam, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, and Attorney General Mark Herring raised amounts well below what their predecessors raised around the same time in past elections, according to the Associated Press.
Northam and Herring admitted to wearing blackface decades ago. Two women have accused Fairfax of sexually assaulting them years ago, though he denies the allegations. All three have faced pressure to resign, but have refused to do so.
The scandals and lack of funding could harm Democrats’ chance of flipping the legislature this year.
Northam raised $2,500 for his political action committee after the legislative session ended this year. Comparatively, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe raised more than $530,000 in 2015 after the session ended, and Gov. Robert McDonnell pulled in $428,000.
Fairfax did not raise any funds. Herring raised about $17,000, much less than the $64,000 he raised four years ago.
