Tipirneni gets record quarterly haul in challenge to Schweikert

Hiral Tipirneni raised $440,000 during the past three months, apparently setting what the Democratic congressional candidate said is a record sum for the Scottsdale-based 6th Congressional District.

Figures from the other three campaigns in the district, including incumbent Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., were not fully available late Tuesday and are not required to be filed publicly with the Federal Election Commission until late Monday.

Even so, Tipirneni wasted little time trumpeting her financial support.

“I’m overwhelmed by the grassroots support we have received since launching our campaign in April,” she said in a written statement. “The people of Arizona’s 6th district are ready for a leader who will work to find commonsense solutions to Washington’s problems and put partisanship aside to improve their lives.”

Schweikert raised about $200,000, according to Chris Baker, a Schweikert campaign consultant.

It was unclear Tuesday how much money any of the candidates raised within the district, but it could be a subject of greater scrutiny because Tipirneni’s third run for Congress is outside the district where she lives.

Democrat Anita Malik, who was her party’s 2018 nominee in the 6th district, hinted at that Tuesday.

“I am focused on voter commitments from the district and reigniting the base as a first strategic phase,” she said. “Our numbers will reflect that, the district support.”

Democrat Stephanie Rimmer, a political newcomer in the race, said Wednesday she raised $31,000 from contributors and loaned her campaign $100,000. She thanked her supporters and said she expects her support to grow as transitions to full-time campaign work in the months ahead.

Tipirneni’s campaign said she will report raising 90% of her contributions from individuals giving $100 or less.