Alaska Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola is leading in fundraising ahead of the Aug. 20 primary election, according to reports from the Federal Elections Commission. Peltola raised over $2.1 million from April to June, while Republican challengers Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Nick Begich raised around $400,000 and $311,000 respectively.
Historical data shows that candidates who spend the most tend to win elections, with the majority of U.S. House candidates since 2000 spending the most on their races going on to win. In the last election, Peltola spent $6.9 million compared to Sarah Palin’s $1.9 million.
Peltola has already raised over $7 million this cycle, with Begich and Dahlstrom reporting over $900,000 and $865,000 respectively in total contributions. Outside groups are also spending millions independently.
Peltola, one of five Democrats in Trump-voting districts, is being targeted by Republican campaign committees. Dahlstrom is backed by Republican House leadership, while Begich has the support of the Freedom Caucus.
Despite the intense advertising period leading up to the general election on November 5, Peltola has the most cash on-hand with $3.3 million, while Dahlstrom has $605,000 and Begich has $235,000.
With the primary determining the final four candidates, the race is heating up with significant spending by all parties involved. The latest FEC reports have now been updated to include donations from political committees, showing a clearer picture of the candidates’ fundraising efforts.
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:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/K4QDRFSAVVD4PONPFQDVUMFU74.JPG "Navigating the frozen landscape, Alaskans brave the ice-filled waters to reach their destinations.")
