The Republican Governors Association raised $21.5 million in the third quarter, bumping the total accumulated under chairman Chris Christie to $90 million.
The group has raised $72 million this calendar year, and officials said fundraising from July 1 through Sept. 30 has put the RGA on pace to achieve its goal of investing $100 million in governors races in the midterm cycle.
“As we enter the home stretch of this election cycle, the RGA’s fundraising strength lends strength to our governors and candidates, putting them in position for victory,” Christie said in a statement. “The resources we use to elect and re-elect Republican governors are a direct reflection of support for the leadership and results they provide to their states through sound policy and practical governance. In this final march to Election Day, the RGA is in strong position.”
Like a super PAC, the RGA can raise money in unlimited amounts. Still, the group’s fundraising under Christie is impressive. The likely 2016 presidential candidate became chairman last November and began raising money for the RGA in December. Despite having to deal with a bridge closure scandal that engulfed some of his gubernatorial aides, Christie raised money at a stronger clip than any of his RGA predecessors.
The RGA is defending 22 of the 36 governors mansions up for election this cycle.
