SC’s Graham raised less money than Harrison in second quarter of 2020 US Senate race
Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham raised $8.4 million during the second quarter, falling short of his Democratic opponent’s haul in April, May and June, according to Federal Elections Commission data.
Jaime Harrison, a former state Democratic Party chair, raised $13.9 million during the second quarter the year and has set statewide candidate fundraising records for the party. Harrison also raised more than Graham in the first quarter of 2020.
Graham’s campaign still holds the lead in cash on hand. He ended the quarter with $15 million in the bank, more than Harrison’s $10.2 million cash on hand going into the second half of the year, when the campaign shifts to the November general election.
The race is expected to be expensive this cycle as Harrison has proven to be a more capable fundraiser than Graham’s previous opponents. Harrison, who has raised in $28 million during the cycle, already has been spending heavily to increase his name recognition. As of late June, Harrison spent three more times on advertising that Graham.
However, Graham, who is in his third term as a U.S. senator, is running for re-election in a reliably Republican state, and is a capable fundraiser himself and has brought in more than $30 million during the cycle.
“We’re going to have the resources we need to run our campaign,” said T.W. Arrighi, Graham’s campaign spokesman.
Graham isn’t the only Republican incumbent whose second quarter fundraising was eclipsed by a Democratic challenger.
U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Springdale, brought in $231,000 in the second quarter, according to FEC records. His Democratic opponent Adair Ford Boroughs brought in $301,000 in April, May and June, and has a cash on hand lead. Boroughs had $715,000 in her campaign account at the end of the quarter. Wilson, who represents South Carolina’s reliably Republican second congressional district, had $500,000.
Wilson’s camp is not worried. Money raised by Boroughs, much of which may be from out of the district, does not indicate support within the district, said Wilson’s campaign consultant Mark Knoop.
“We’re thrilled with the support for Congressman Wilson we see across the district,” Knoop said. “He’s concentrating on reviving our economy and keeping South Carolinians safe through COVID-19. “
U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, D-Charleston, has also raised more than his Republican challenger Nancy Mace during the second quarter.
Cunningham brought in $862,000 during the second quarter. Mace brought in $714,000.
