With the election less than six weeks away, Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson is reporting strong fundraising numbers.
According to the latest campaign finance reports, the Johnson campaign has raised $1.3 million since the end of July and has over $1 million in cash on hand.
“Clearly Minnesotans have rallied behind our campaign and their support and enthusiasm, even after a tough primary, have set us up for victory in November” Johnson said.
The Johnson campaign reports a “major surge” in both small and large donations. During the heated primary battle with former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Johnson raised about $300,000. Since winning the primary, the financial support for the campaign has multiplied.
Democrat Tim Walz, Johnson’s opponent, reports similar numbers. From late July, the Walz campaign also raised $1.3 million and has about $1 million in cash on hand. However, the Johnson campaign is touting that they outraised Walz by 14 percent in actual donations received.
“This strong report, along with being able to be on television and radio statewide the last six weeks has given us both the momentum and the critical resources to get our message out,” Johnson added.
On Tuesday, the Johnson campaign released its first television ad of the general election. The $230,000 ad buy focuses on the differences between the two gubernatorial candidates, and will air statewide on both broadcast and cable.
“The contrast between my vision and Tim Walz’s vision for our state will decide this race,” Johnson said. “And as Minnesotans start to learn more about Walz’s vision, they will see he’s more in step with Nancy Pelosi and Washington DC progressives than he is with Minnesotans. I know my common sense, citizen-driven vision for our future is what people are looking for and this is just the first step in getting that message out statewide.”
Watch the ad below:
