Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) Raises $8.1 Million for Senate Campaign in Second Quarter, Widening Fundraising Advantage
Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) made a significant stride in his Senate campaign as he announced on Wednesday that he raised an impressive $8.1 million during the second quarter of the year. This substantial haul is expected to further expand the fundraising advantage he has enjoyed over his rivals.
Schiff’s recent fundraising success appears to be linked to his censure last month by the Republican-led House. The censure stemmed from allegations he made during his tenure as House Intelligence Committee chairman, claiming that Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia. Schiff cleverly turned the censure vote, as well as an earlier failed censure effort, into a rallying cry for liberal donors to support his campaign.
In comparison, neither Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) nor Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Schiff’s two most prominent competitors, have announced their second-quarter fundraising totals as of Wednesday morning.
As of the end of March, which marked the conclusion of the last quarterly reporting period, Schiff had an impressive cash on hand of nearly $24.7 million. In contrast, Porter had approximately $9.5 million, and Lee had $1.2 million.
By the end of the second quarter, Schiff’s war chest had grown even further to exceed $29.5 million, his campaign reported.
It is important to note that none of the three leading candidates have filed reports with the Federal Election Commission as of Wednesday morning.
Current polling indicates a close race between Schiff and Porter, with Lee falling behind. Under California election rules, the top two candidates in the March primary will advance to the November general election, regardless of party.
The recent accomplishment by Schiff places him firmly in the upper echelon of fundraisers among Democratic Senate candidates. Rep. Colin Allred (D-Tex.), for instance, recently announced that he raised nearly $6.2 million during the first two months of his bid to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.). Allred also transferred an additional $2.4 million from his House campaign account.
Schiff’s campaign proudly claims that the $8.1 million he raised is the highest ever raised by any Senate campaign in the second quarter of a non-election year.
Schiff has benefited from a higher national profile compared to his competitors, thanks in part to his involvement as the lead impeachment manager in Donald Trump’s first Senate trial. He was responsible for presenting charges related to the withholding of military aid from Ukraine while Trump sought information on Democratic rival Joe Biden. Additionally, Schiff served on the House select committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
According to Schiff’s campaign, he received support from over 144,000 donors in the second quarter, with nearly all contributions being $200 or less. The average contribution was $34.
“With over $29.5 million cash on hand, the campaign continues to gain momentum and is best positioned to run an effective campaign as we get closer to the primary election,” commented Schiff’s campaign manager, Brad Elkins.
Schiff’s substantial fundraising success certainly indicates strong support from donors and underscores his position as a leading candidate in the upcoming Senate race.