Democratic candidates raised more money than Republicans in the third quarter in congressional races in Michigan, according to an analysis.
However, these fundraising efforts do not come close to the stockpiles of cash congressional incumbents have on hand, Craig Mauger of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network told The Detroit News.
Political newcomer Democrat Suzanna Shkreli raised $411,421 in the third quarter compared to the $165,695 U.S. Republican Rep. Mike Bishop pulled in.
But Bishop has more than $899,520 cash on hand to Shkreli's $150,072.
Shkreli joined the 8th District race late after actress Melissa Gilbert dropped out due to health reasons. Shkreli's third quarter donations were mainly from individual contributions.
"I am honored by the broad grassroots support that our campaign has received, which has given us the resources we need to communicate our message of taking on the tough fights in Washington on behalf of Michigan's middle-class families," Shkreli said in a statement.
The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report/Roll Call rates the race as Safe Republican.
The state's most expensive race is in the 1st District where Democrat Lon Johnson has hauled in more money than Republican Jack Bergman.
The two are running for the open seat of Republican Rep. Dan Benishek, who is retiring after three terms.
Johnson brought in $455,118 and Bergman totaled $383,924, which includes $83,000 that Bergman loaned his campaign. However, both candidates are being outspent by outside groups running large TV ad campaigns.
Mauger said outside groups have spent $2 million on the race.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and House Majority PAC have spent more than $927,000 against Bergman, FEC filings show. The National Republican Congressional Commitee have reported spending $1.9 million in opposition to Johnson.
The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report/Roll Call rates the race Tilts Republican.
Democrats need 30 seats to win the House for the first time since 2011.
