EXCLUSIVE — Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) grew his fundraising levels in recent months at a faster pace than in previous quarters, allowing him to expand his campaign efforts at a pivotal moment to combat two serious primary opponents.

The second-term senator raised a combined $2.46 million in the first quarter of the year from January through March across his campaign, affiliated fundraising groups, and a political action committee, according to figures first shared with the Washington Examiner.