Arizona Republicans received fewer donations than Democrats for the first time in more than 20 years.
Conservative dark money groups are expected to pour millions into Arizona’s upcoming elections, narrowing the financial lead Democrats have gained over the past several months.
At least three different organizations have announced plans to focus a portion of their political spending on Arizona’s senate race between Republican Sen. Martha McSally and Democratic opponent Mark Kelly. Kelly’s war chest is twice the size of McSally’s, reporting a reserve of $20 million in the bank earlier this month.
McSally is considered to be one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the Senate, putting the party’s slim majority at risk.
To protect his place as Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, R-KY, is directing $5.7 million from The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) into Arizona’s senate race. Super PAC DefendArizona, which receives funding from the NRSC, is putting more than $9 million behind McSally.
While a majority of NRSC spending goes to media buys, the group has also donated directly to McSally’s campaign, signaling a shift to a heavier-handed approach than with her predecessor. McSally has received $92,000 from the NRSC since 2018; only $127,800 was donated to former Sen. John McCain’s campaign throughout his entire career.
“It’s no surprise that corporate interests and Mitch McConnell-linked groups are willing to spend millions to keep Martha McSally’s vote in the U.S. Senate,” said Arizona Democratic Party spokesperson Brad Bainum. “She has voted to let her health insurance industry backers charge Arizonans more for coverage and prioritized big tax cuts for her billionaire backers.”
But the fundraising deficit isn’t McSally’s alone: the Arizona Republican Party received fewer donations than the Arizona Democratic Party for the first time in more than 20 years. At its peak in 2000, 75 percent of Arizona’s political contributions went to Republicans. Only 40 percent of the state’s donations have gone towards the GOP in 2020.
But party insiders aren’t worried about the economic disparity. Brian Murray, a GOP consultant who previously served as the state party’s executive director, told the Arizona Mirror that outside funding was not only necessary, but welcomed.
“Of course, we’d like [McSally] to raise as much money as possible,” Murray said. “But at the end of the day, considering the resources and the cavalry is on its way, I’m not that worried.”
Murray added that, unless both McSally and President Donald Trump’s races became competitive, state Republicans had nothing to worry about.
But alarm bells might be ringing for state Republicans, as recent polls show both Kelly and Democratic presidential challenger Joe Biden enjoying a nine-point lead on their opponents.
Looking for the latest Arizona news in this time of crisis? Sign up for our daily newsletter and have it delivered straight to your inbox.
Politics
Democrats successfully force vote on repealing 1864 abortion ban, passes House
The Arizona legislature moved forward two bills Wednesday that would repeal the state’s 1864 abortion ban. A bill to repeal the ban has been...
State Official: 1864 abortion ban gives Arizona ‘black eye’
Arizona’s role at the forefront of the climate crisis, defending democratic elections, and protecting reproductive rights has caught the attention...
Local News
Arizona Sens. Anthony Kern, Jake Hoffman, indicted for fake election scheme
Eighteen individuals involved in a conspiracy to overturn Arizona’s election results in 2020 were indicted by a grand jury Wednesday and charged...
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to let Arizona doctors provide abortions in California
California law generally allows abortion up to the point of fetal viability, which is around 24 weeks. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Arizona doctors...