Q2 money race finds O’rourke, others in trouble
WASHINGTON — Beto O’rourke raised just $3.6 million in the second quarter, a dramatic drop that places him among a growing group of Democratic presidential hopefuls who are struggling to raise the cash needed for a credible White House run.
The top five Democratic fundraisers collectively raised $96 million this quarter, putting them close to the $105 million raised by Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee for the president’s re-election.
South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg led the second quarter field with $24.8 million. He was followed by former Vice President Joe Biden, who raised $21.5 million. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts was third with $19.1 million. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont posted $18 million, while Sen. Kamala Harris of California raised about $12 million.
But the outlook is grim for others. Some candidates, like O’rourke, took in less than they did last quarter. Others were essentially treading water.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York raised $2.3 million. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee pulled in about $3 million.
Former housing secretary Julián Castro more than doubled his previous haul. But his $2.8 million still puts him toward the back of the field.
Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota both brought in enough money to forge ahead. But Klobuchar, who raised nearly $4 million, and Booker, who raised just a little more, performed worse than they did during the first quarter.
The Democratic National Committee has increased the thresholds to reach the fall debate stage. To secure a slot on the stage, candidates have to reach 2 percent in a handful of polls while racking up contributions from at least 130,000 donors in at least 20 states.