Blake Masters, a Republican running to represent Arizona in the U.S. Senate, hauled in more money from supporters than any other candidate in the GOP primary.
According to financial disclosures from the Federal Election Commission, the Tucson native brought in more than $1 million, the only contender to cross the seven-figure sum.
When announcing his fundraising numbers, Masters touted his ability in a general election, noting the fundraising trend over the previous quarters.
“The money will help us spread the word, but what it represents is even more important. We’re building momentum: more media, bigger events, and honest, powerful messaging. We need to put forth the right candidate to beat Mark Kelly in November. Part of that is having a Republican challenger who excites people and who can actually raise money,” Masters said in a statement.
I’ve raised $1M+ every quarter, my opponents have never done it once. Soon it’ll be time to focus on beating Mark Kelly. pic.twitter.com/qDPv3XeNuo
— Blake Masters (@bgmasters) April 1, 2022
The closest competitor was Attorney General Mark Brnovich, bringing in roughly $736,000. The sum was lower than his previously fundraising quarter, where he received a little more than $800,000.
Mick McGuire and Jim Lamon did not surpass $400,000.
Notably, Lamon, a wealthy businessman, has poured his own money into the race. Since launching his campaign, he has given $13 million to the cause.
While the support from donors placed Masters on top, the loans from Lamon give him a cash-on-hand advantage. Lamon has more than $7 million in the bank, compared to $2.2 million for Masters and only $529,000 for Brnovich.
Many Republicans have pointed to fundraising ability as a key indicator of grassroots support and necessary to defeat Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). Kelly routinely brings in close to $10 million each fundraising quarter.
Recent polling, conducted by former President Trump’s pollster Tony Fabrizio for a pro-Masters super PAC, gave the former venture capitalist the lead.
According to the survey, he took in 16 percent, as Brnovich and Lamon followed behind at 14 percent each.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Blake Masters” by Blake Masters for Senate. Background Photo “U.S. Capitol” by Raul654. CC BY-SA 3.0.
