Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota DFL still have a significant cash advantage over their Republican challengers, according to new campaign finance reports released Tuesday.
However, Dr. Scott Jensen reported setting a record for the most money raised by a Republican gubernatorial challenger before the primary.
Jensen has raised $2.2 million since launching his campaign and has $580,000 left over. Walz has raised $2.6 million this year alone and had $4.9 million in his campaign account as of July 18. This figure, however, doesn’t reflect the nearly $2 million in TV ad spots he has reserved for the fall.
Jensen said more than 50% of his donations came from women and 90% came from Minnesotans.
“Hardworking Minnesota families understand just how devastating Walz-Biden inflation, out of control crime, and lackluster education have been for our way of life,” said Jensen. “It’s no surprise that Minnesotans are voting with their money, and we are not only grateful for that support, but mindful that we are their hope for true leadership in this state.”
In the attorney general’s race, incumbent Keith Ellison has $573,000 available compared to GOP challenger Jim Schultz’s $113,000. Schultz raised roughly $141,000 in the pre-primary reporting period of June 1 to July 18, nearly the same as Ellison’s $149,000 raised.
Secretary of State Steve Simon raised $178,000 in that same period and has $679,000 available, giving him a huge cash advantage over Republican Kim Crockett, who raised $45,000 and has $77,000.
The state auditor’s race is the only contest in which the Republican has more money than the DFL incumbent.
Here are the cash-on-hand totals for all statewide candidates, legislative caucuses, and party units.
Governor
Tim Walz: $4.9 million
Scott Jensen: $580,000
Attorney General
Keith Ellison: $573,000
Jim Schultz: $113,000
Secretary of State
Steve Simon: $679,000
Kim Crockett: $77,000
Auditor
Julie Blaha: $32,000
Ryan Wilson: $91,000
Legislative caucuses
Senate Republicans: $1.7 million
Senate Democrats: $958,000
House Republicans: $792,000
House Democrats: $2.2 million
Party accounts
Minnesota GOP: $294,000
Minnesota DFL: $2.5 million
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
