With the second quarter fundraising deadline passed, Missourians are finally able to see an updated count of what each U.S. Senate Republican candidate has in their campaign bank accounts.
Attorney General Eric Schmitt topped all U.S. Senate candidates in fundraising at the conclusion of the second quarter. Schmitt’s campaign announced a “record-breaking quarter” earlier this month after fundraising a total of $1.33 million since April. He’s still sitting comfortably with over $1.1 million in cash on hand after spending just shy of $232,000 during the quarter.
Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) raised the second most out of all Senate candidates by taking in $893,000 throughout the second quarter. After spending just over $118,000, she ended with an impressive $1.45 million in cash on hand. Hartzler announced her candidacy on June 10 with an early fundraising advantage, ending last year with over $645,000 in cash on hand.
Former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens was the first Republican to announce his bid for the U.S. Senate seat, just 14 days after Sen. Roy Blunt announced his retirement. Greitens took in almost $449,000 throughout the second quarter and spent over $323,000 – leaving him with just over $134,000 in cash on hand.
St. Louis attorney Mark McCloskey brought in over $589,000 during the quarter, a somewhat impressive number as he’s considered the political outsider of the race. After spending around $421,000, he’s sitting with $167,417 in cash on hand.
These aren’t the only names on the GOP side of the Senate race that Missouri voters should be watching. There has been plenty of speculation around three additional members of Missouri’s congressional delegation for quite some time.
Congressman Billy Long (MO-7) raised $201,000 during the second quarter and spent $178,000 – leaving him with $559,879 in cash on hand. Long admitted in March that he was “seriously considering” running for the Senate seat.
Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-2), known for being a fundraising juggernaut in an increasingly purple district, brought in over $834,000 and has $1.18 million in the bank after spending $269,000. In April, Wagner said she is “taking a look at [the election] very seriously.”
Additionally, rumors of Congressman Jason Smith (MO-8) jumping in the race have increased in recent months, and there’s plenty of reason for it. He tops all speculated or actual candidates in terms of cash on hand – which can be exceedingly beneficial in a crowded primary election.
Smith raised over $540,000 throughout the second quarter and spent $361,000 – leaving him with over $1.62 million in the bank. Smith also raised eyebrows when he held a reception at Mar-a-Lago back in April and has reportedly met with President Donald Trump multiple times – possibly to seek an endorsement.
With plenty of the summer campaign season left to go, Missouri voters shouldn’t be surprised if any of the speculated candidates join the race soon. Most elected officials, especially well-known congress members, recognize the immense value of campaigning while the weather is still nice and voters are flocking to events.
