New analysis explains the problem GOP candidates and lawmakers are facing as a result of 'grassroots money'

20 July 2022

Republican candidates and lawmakers are facing great challenges in the areas of campaign fundraising. A new analysis is explaining how they are being out-fundraised by their Democratic counterparts. According to Axios' Lachlan Markay, the biggest financial difference centers on grassroots contributions.

Lachlan explained the bigger picture writing, "Inflation, Trump-induced donor fatigue, and other factors are impacting the GOP grassroots, prompting Republican candidates to rely more heavily on high-dollar donors."

However, while the average Republican candidate is facing challenges securing small-dollar donations, Lachlan noted the one Republican who isn't having that problem. He noted that former President Donald Trump is "seeing huge small-dollar fundraising success" and "has hoovered up more than $60 million from under-$200 donors this cycle."

But, unfortunately for the Republican Party, Trump's massive haul isn't much of a benefit for the political party, collectively. Adding to that, he still isn't an official political candidate for any upcoming election. According to the report, only one Republican lawmaker is having substantial success with small-dollar donations: Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.)

So what's holding the Republican Party's campaign fundraising together? "High-dollar donors," according to Lachlan, are still their driving force.

"The GOP's high-dollar donors are keeping the money race competitive," he wrote. "And Republicans' national party committees are breaking fundraising records."

He noted, "Super PACs backing candidates such as Ohio's J.D. Vance and Arizona's Blake Masters are making up for some fundraising shortfalls. Others, such as Pennsylvania's Mehmet Oz, are pouring millions into their own campaigns."

The top Republican super PACs are "the Senate Leadership Fund and the Congressional Leadership Fund" as they are "both out-raising their Democratic counterparts by substantial margins."

Lachlan concluded, "The GOP's fundraising problems — in addition to the elevation of flawed or extreme candidates — are contributing to fears of a Senate debacle in what should be a favorable political environment for Republicans."

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