House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) raised a record $27.5 million in the third quarter of this year, providing a significant boost to Republicans as they strive to maintain their slim majority.
According to Punchbowl News, the fundraising total consisted of $19.4 million for political action committees and $8.1 million for candidates. Johnson’s office confirmed that this amount is the highest ever raised by a Republican speaker in the third quarter leading up to Election Day.
“In less than one year as Speaker, I’m thankful that we have been able to build a team and set new fundraising records that will ensure House Republicans can keep and grow our majority,” Johnson said. “Now with less than one month until the most important election of our lifetimes, another strong quarter shows voters are motivated down the stretch and ready to elect Republicans up and down the ballot to fix our economy, secure the border, and restore peace through strength.”
With Republicans holding only an eight-seat majority in the House, control of the chamber is anticipated to be contested again in November. To secure a majority, 218 seats are needed. Current projections indicate that Republicans have 212 seats likely or leaning in their favor, while Democrats have 208. Additionally, 15 races are considered toss-ups.
Last week, the Congressional Leadership Fund, a PAC associated with Johnson and House Republican leadership, announced it raised $81.4 million in the third quarter, marking its highest fundraising total for a single quarter. As of September 30, the CLF reported a total of $212.2 million raised for the 2024 election cycle, with $153 million in cash on hand.
“With just four weeks from Election Day, we are invested deeply and continuing to strategically add more in the must-win races that will determine the Majority,” said CLF President Dan Conston.
Despite the impressive fundraising by the CLF, Democrats maintain a fundraising advantage. The House Majority PAC, a group aligned with Democrats, reported raising $99 million in the third quarter, surpassing the CLF by $18 million.
“HMP could not be more proud to have bested our Republican counterparts in Q3, erasing the GOP Super PAC advantage as the candidate fundraising gap continues to grow for Democrats,” said House Majority PAC President Mike Smith. “In the four weeks leading up to Election Day, we believe our record-breaking fundraising and strategic advantage in reserving crucial television and digital time at optimal rates will allow us to take back the House in November.”
On the presidential front, Vice President Kamala Harris has been drawing significant contributions. Since launching her campaign in July, she has raised over $1 billion, which includes funds from both her campaign and a joint fundraising committee associated with it. This figure excludes support from other aligned PACs backing her efforts.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee have raised more than $850 million for the entire 2024 calendar year.
