DeSantis leads fundraising in Q2, Scott matches Trump’s funds.
Fundraising Data Reveals Strong Support for Republican Primary Candidates
Fundraising data for the 2024 Republican presidential primary candidates was made public on Saturday, the Federal Election Commission’s quarterly filing deadline, revealing additional data about the field’s contributions and campaign finances.
Leading the Pack: Gov. Ron DeSantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) emerged as the frontrunner, raising an impressive $20 million since his candidacy announcement in late May. However, it’s worth noting that only around 15% of his contributions came from donors of $200 or less. Former President Donald Trump’s campaign reported $17.7 million.
Celebrating his lead in fundraising, DeSantis campaign manager Generra Peck said in a statement, “Our campaign brought in more than the entire field — including a current and former president — because the enthusiasm for Ron DeSantis’ movement to restore sanity to our nation and lead our Great American Comeback is unprecedented.”
“The generous support we received this quarter will be critical as we continue to capitalize on the momentum shift that occurred in Iowa this week and deploy the Full Grassley. Americans across the country are about to see a whole lot more of Ron DeSantis. Get ready,” she added.
Cash on Hand: DeSantis, Trump, and Scott
Despite outraising the field in the past quarter, DeSantis’s campaign has less cash on hand than both Trump and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC). The Florida governor’s team reported $12 million in cash on hand, while Trump topped the competition with $22 million.
Scott, however, posted a staggering $21 million in cash on hand. The South Carolina senator pulled in $5.8 million since announcing his campaign in late May.
The reported cash on hand from Scott was particularly notable given his polling stature, in which he is tied for fifth place, with just 3% nationally. Aside from Trump, whose stash of funds is rivaled by his own, Scott has more money available than all other candidates in front of him or tied with him, including DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.
Scott’s eye-popping amount of available funds comes as he’s caught the attention of billionaire Estée Lauder makeup heir Ronald Lauder, who notably supported Trump in 2020. Two sources with knowledge confirmed to the Washington Examiner that the two met in South Carolina last month.
Trump is polling above each of his primary opponents by double digits, with 57%, according to Morning Consult. DeSantis is his biggest competitor, posting 17%.
However, some Republican strategists see an opening for GOP competitors following a series of apparent missteps by the former president in Iowa, which hosts the first Republican presidential caucuses in the nation.
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