WASHINGTON — Arkansas Republicans running for Congress have continued to build substantial cash advantages over their competition, according to the latest FEC reports.
In the state’s four districts, the GOP candidates ended June with between $339,400 and $616,956. The best-funded challenger had just $31,105 at the close of the month.
“Barring a big upset, Republicans are going to hold all four House seats in Arkansas after the upcoming elections,” said Kyle Kondik at the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics.
Kondik said that it would be nearly impossible for the Democrats to match the fundraising of the Republicans.
“I’d be surprised if any of them even got close,” he said.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The UVA Center for Politics tracks federal campaigns and forecasts the likely winners and losers. Three of the four Arkansas districts are rated as “safe” Republican seats. The First District is rated “likely” Republican.
The latest campaign reports filed with the Federal Election Commission updates contributions and expenditures through June 30.
Prior to that, most Arkansas candidates had filed a post-primary report at the beginning of May while several filed pre-runoff reports at the end of May.
The Green Party and Libertarian Party have candidates on the ballot in all four districts. As yet, none have filed a financial report with the FEC.
First District
Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, raised $198,801 between May 3 and June 30 bringing his campaign total to $1,267,634. He ended the month with $616,956 cash on hand.
Democrat Scott Ellington of Jonesboro raised $75,163 between May 24 and June 30 bringing his campaign total to $150,064. He ended the month with $31,105 cash on hand.
Second District
Rep. Tim Griffin, R-Little Rock, raised $90,027 from May 3 through June 30. So far, his campaign has raised $1,260,090. Griffin ended the month with $600,049 cash on hand.
Democrat Herb Rule of Little Rock raised $19,712 from May 3 through June 30 bringing his total to $28,864. He ended June with $12,752 cash on hand.
Third District
Steve Womack, R-Rogers, raised $210,055 between May 3 and June 30 bringing his fund raising total to $626,329. He ended June with $481,136.
Democrat Ken Aden dropped out of the race.
Fourth District
Republican Tom Cotton of Dardanelle raised $328,621 between May 3 and June 30. All totaled, his campaign has raised $1,400,747. Cotton ended June with $339,400 cash on hand.
Democrat Gene Jeffress of Louann, raised $17,550 between May 24 and June 30, bringing his campaign total to $59,831. He ended June with $5,007 cash on hand.