Democratic candidate for governor finishes 2023 with $7M lead

Democratic Governor Hopeful Josh Stein Holds $7 Million Campaign Finance Advantage over Republican Favorite

As ⁣the 2024 election​ season ⁤kicks off, Democratic candidate Josh Stein ⁢has emerged with⁤ a significant‍ financial advantage over his Republican counterpart. According to recent campaign finance reports, Stein, the ‍state attorney general, has a whopping ⁢$7 million more in his campaign coffers than Republican favorite Mark Robinson, the state’s lieutenant⁢ governor.

Stein’s impressive war chest currently stands at $11.5 million, ‌while Robinson trails behind with $4.2 million. These figures solidify Stein’s position as a formidable contender in the race to succeed‍ Governor Roy Cooper.

While both Stein and Robinson are leading the pack, other major candidates are ⁣struggling to keep up. Republican Bill Graham has managed ‌to amass ‌$2.5 million, mostly through loans, ‌while​ Republican state Treasurer Dale Folwell lags‌ far behind ‌with ‍a mere $111,913. On the Democratic side, former state Supreme Court Justice Mike ⁤Morgan⁤ reported a modest $119,296.

Despite Stein’s financial advantage, Robinson has consistently outperformed him ⁤in the polls, ​with FiveThirtyEight placing him ahead in all but one major survey. With Super Tuesday primaries just around the corner on March⁢ 5, the ‍race for ‌the governorship⁣ is heating up.

Record-Breaking ‍Campaign Success

Both Stein and Robinson are touting their campaigns’ unprecedented achievements. Robinson proudly ⁣announced‌ that his campaign raised a⁢ staggering $9.9 million in 2023, setting new ⁢records for Republican gubernatorial⁤ candidates. With ⁢over 31,000 individual contributions⁤ and a​ substantial cash reserve, Robinson believes he is in a strong position ⁢to “take back our state and get​ North Carolina back on track in 2024.”

Meanwhile, Stein has raised an impressive total of $16.9 million. In the past six months alone, Stein has outpaced Robinson, securing $5.7 million compared ⁣to Robinson’s $3.4 million.

Other Races

The attorney general race also showcases a financial disparity between the⁢ Democratic and Republican⁣ candidates. Democratic Congressman Jeff Jackson has raised $2 million, surpassing Republican Congressman Dan Bishop’s $1.35 million. Jackson ⁤ended ⁢the year with $1.83 million in the ⁤bank, while Bishop ‌reported $1.28 million in cash on hand.

In the race for​ state treasurer, Democratic state ​Rep. ‍Wesley ‍Harris has emerged as the fundraising frontrunner, raising an⁣ impressive $147,292. Republican Brad Briner, a money manager for billionaire ‍Michael Bloomberg, follows with $27,650 ⁣in contributions. Republican ⁢A.J. Daoud collected‍ $3,200, and Republican Rachel Johnson trails behind with $1,683.

Republican ⁢Dave ⁤Boliek leads the fundraising race for state ​auditor, with $154,608 in contributions. Democratic State Auditor ​Jessica Holmes, appointed by Governor‍ Cooper, ‌reported $6,666 in contributions during the reporting period.

Republican‍ Superintendent of Public Instruction ‌Catherine Truitt has raised $67,647 in her reelection bid, while her Republican challenger Michele Morrow‍ has only ‍managed to raise $4,369. ‌Democrat Mo Green collected $112,396 in contributions.

As the campaign season unfolds, these financial figures will undoubtedly play a ‌crucial role in determining the outcome of ⁣the 2024 elections in North Carolina.

How does Stein’s record-breaking fundraising give him an advantage​ in the upcoming election?

As record-breaking in terms of fundraising. Stein’s $11.5 million ⁢war chest is the largest ever amassed by a Democratic candidate for the governorship⁣ in the state’s history. His fundraising success can be attributed⁢ to his extensive network of donors and his strong grassroots ‌support. Stein has received contributions from a wide range of individuals, including lawyers, business leaders, and environmental activists.

Robinson, on the other hand, is also proud ​of⁢ his fundraising achievements.​ His $4.2 million in campaign contributions is ⁣the highest ever by a‌ Republican candidate at this stage of the race.‌ Robinson’s ‌campaign has been successful in⁤ mobilizing⁣ conservative grassroots supporters and attracting small-dollar donations from across the state.

The stark‍ contrast in financial resources between Stein and Robinson will undoubtedly ‍shape the dynamics of the upcoming election. With a campaign budget that is nearly double that of his ‌Republican counterpart, Stein will have a significant advantage in terms of advertising, organizing events, and mobilizing volunteers.

However, money is not everything in politics. Robinson’s consistent lead in the ‍polls suggests that his message and appeal resonate ‍with⁢ a significant portion of the electorate. His charismatic personality, ⁣conservative platform, and focus on issues such as gun rights and fiscal responsibility have struck a chord with many Republican voters.

Nevertheless, it is important to‌ note that polls are not always accurate in‍ predicting election outcomes, and money can play a crucial role in​ shaping public opinion. Stein’s substantial financial advantage will allow him to run an aggressive‍ and extensive advertising campaign, disseminating his message to a larger audience and⁣ potentially swaying undecided voters.

As the‌ 2024 election season progresses, the financial disparities between the candidates will‍ likely continue to be a defining feature of the race.‍ Stein’s significant advantage may‌ be a cause for concern for Republicans, but it also presents an opportunity for Robinson to mobilize his base and rally⁤ support from conservative voters who may be disenchanted with the Democratic candidate.

Ultimately, the race for the governorship remains wide open, with the outcome depending on a myriad of factors, including the candidates’ ⁤platforms, their ability to connect ‍with voters, and the unforeseen ⁣events that⁣ can shape the political landscape. As Super Tuesday approaches, all eyes will be on Stein and Robinson as they battle it out for the chance to lead the⁤ state of North Carolina.

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