WASHINGTON, Feb 23 (Reuters) – Democratic candidates so far have outraised Republican hopefuls in the most competitive districts for the U.S. House of Representatives with crucial mid-term elections nine months away, according to a Reuters analysis of campaign finance reports.
Incumbents in battleground districts, regardless of party, have a clear edge over their challengers, hauling in more than $84 million last year, according to federal reports released in January.
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But a Reuters review of disclosures in 30 of the most competitive districts where incumbents are seeking reelection found that Republican challengers have struggled to raise money from donors when compared to Democratic challengers taking on Republican incumbents.
Forty-two Republican candidates in 16 Democratic-held districts last year collected some $20 million, about $465,000 each, while 54 Democratic candidates in 14 Republican-held districts hauled in around $50 million, nearly $918,000 each.
Republicans hold a narrow 218-214 majority in the House. The party that controls the White House historically suffers losses in midterm elections, and Democrats would only need to flip a handful of seats in November to gain control of the chamber for the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency.
Democrats have a fundraising edge in each of the three battleground districts in which there is no incumbent seeking reelection.
The reports show the financial picture of campaigns in the districts that will likely determine control of the House heading into the primary election season, which begins March 3 with votes in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas.
Democratic strategists say House Republicans are more focused on preserving their small majority than expanding it, prioritizing member retention over candidate recruitment.
Democrats outpace Republicans in fundraising for key US House races
