The Democratic congressional committees raised more money in September than their Republican counterparts and entered October with more cash on hand to spend down the stretch, a key advantage in the battle for control of the House and Senate.
In the Senate, where Republicans are fighting to preserve a three-seat majority, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee outraised the National Republican Senatorial Committee $43.8 million to $32.7 million last month, finishing the period with a $30.1 million war chest. The NRSC reported $22.6 million in cash on hand. Senate Republicans are on their heels in at least eight seats currently held by the party, while threatening Democrats in just two.
In the House, where Republicans were hoping to win back seats and at least put a dent in the Democrats’ 17-seat majority, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee outraised the National Republican Congressional Committee in September $29.5 million to $23.1 million. Significantly, the DCCC began the final month of the campaign with more money in the bank — $65 million, compared to the NRCC’s $53.1 million.
Democrats pointed out that, as of the close of business on Sept. 30, the DCCC’s $65 million war chest was larger than the $63.1 million in cash on hand reported by President Trump’s reelection campaign.
The Washington Examiner pulled committee fundraising numbers from Federal Election Commission records.
However, the Republicans are receiving significant financial support from outside groups affiliated with the GOP. The advertising and other electioneering activities paid for by these organizations could tip the scales in critical congressional races, although Democratic super PACs are also engaged in these contests.
Senate Leadership Fund, the super PAC aligned with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, raised a whopping $92.8 million in September and finished the month with $113.8 million in cash on hand. The group’s fundraising was bolstered by $10 million in donations from Republican megadonors Sheldon and Miriam Adelson, $20 million in contributions from Republican financier Ken Griffin, and a $27.5 million donation from One Nation, SLF’s affiliated political nonprofit organization.
SLF outraised its main competitor: the Senate Majority PAC. Aligned with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, SMP brought in $46 million last month and reported $54 million in cash on hand.
Congressional Leadership Fund, the super PAC allied with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, does not file monthly fundraising reports. But the group’s quarterly report revealed a three-month haul of $78 million and a war chest to begin October of $84 million. House Majority PAC, the super PAC aligned with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, raised $41 million in September and reported a similar $83 million in cash on hand.
