U.S. Senate candidate Blake Masters raised more money directly from supporters than other Republican challengers in the final quarter of 2021, according to financial disclosures filed to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC).
Masters, who has not self-funded to the degree of other candidates, took in approximately $1.3 million from donors, the only GOP candidate to haul in at least $1 million from outside sources.
“Q4 fundraising numbers are out in the Arizona U.S. Senate race (from actual supporters, no candidate self-loans),” Masters said in a tweet. “It’s no secret where the excitement is in this race.”
Q4 fundraising numbers are out in the Arizona U.S. Senate race (from actual supporters, no candidate self-loans):
Mark Brnovich: $811,964
Mick McGuire: $270,599
Justin Olson: $225,353
Jim Lamon: $200,843Me: $1,377,275
It's no secret where the excitement is in this race
— Blake Masters (@bgmasters) February 2, 2022
The closest candidate to Masters was Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, taking in a little more than $800,000. Masters and Brnovich dominate the crowded primary field in financial intake from supporters.
Mick McGuire, Justin Olson, and Jim Lamon did not break $300,000.
However, the fundraising numbers from individual donors do not reflect the overall financial standings of the candidates, as some competitors have infused their campaign with money from their own wealth. For example, Lamon has the highest “cash on hand” with more than $5.9 million in the bank, as he has loaned his campaign $8 million.
McGuire has spent almost $250,000 on his efforts.
“This is becoming a pattern,” Masters added, attached to a tweet with his summary of quarter three fundraising numbers.
This is becoming a pattern… https://t.co/bJk1o93Wf6
— Blake Masters (@bgmasters) February 2, 2022
To some Republican supporters, the ability to raise money will be an essential component for any GOP nominee. The winner of the party primary will face Democrat Mark Kelly, who has proven himself to be a fundraising juggernaut.
Supporters gave the Democrat incumbent more than $8 million in the 4th quarter of 2021 alone, dramatically higher than the contributions received by all Republicans, combined.
Furthermore, Masters has the financial backing of billionaire Peter Thiel. Thiel has already written Masters a $10 million check and could potentially give more to defeat Kelly, if Masters secures the GOP nomination.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Blake Masters” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 3.0. Photo “Mark Brnovich” by Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Background Photo “Arizona State Capitol” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0.
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