Virginia House Democrats Lead in Fundraising, Grassroots Momentum

From the Virginia House Democratic Caucus:

Virginia House Democrats Lead in Fundraising, Grassroots Momentum

New campaign finance reports give Democrats a strong edge over Republicans in dollars raised and individual donations

RICHMOND (April 16, 2019) – In the first quarter campaign finance reports filed on April 15, Virginia House Democratic delegates and candidates topped Republicans in dollars raised and number of donors. The strong financial and grassroots numbers demonstrate powerful Democratic momentum in a critical election year, as Democrats aim to win the majority in the Virginia House of Delegates for the first time in 22 years.

In the reports filed to date, Democrats running for the House of Delegates raised 166 percent more dollars than Republicans with 130 percent more individual donations.

“This year we are building on the Blue Wave that started in Virginia in 2017 and will flip the House of Delegates,” said House Democratic Campaign Chair Rip Sullivan (D-Arlington). “The campaign finance reports show that Democrats are well on our way to taking the majority. The grassroots momentum and financial contributions have been extraordinary.”

In addition to candidates, the House Democratic Caucus outraised the House Republican Campaign Committee and the Speaker’s Colonial Leadership Trust combined by $149,055.33, with 393 more individual donations. Of the donations made to the House Democratic Caucus, 76 percent were grassroots donations of $100 or less, with an average grassroots donation of $25.29.

“While Virginia House Republicans hold high-dollar fundraisers with Mike Pence, Democrats are out talking to constituents and supporters, building true grassroots support within the Commonwealth,” said House Democratic Caucus Executive Director Trevor Southerland. “The proof is in the numbers – Virginians prefer Democrats who are focused on education, healthcare, jobs and transportation over Republicans who are committed to advancing the destructive Trump agenda. Even bringing in Trump’s Vice President couldn’t save Republicans from the wave of grassroots support behind Virginia Democrats.”

Democratic challengers also significantly outraised Republican incumbents in key districts, among them:

• HD-27: Democratic nominee Larry Barnett raised $75,467, compared to Republican incumbent Roxann Robinson’s $11,521
• HD-83: Democratic nominee Nancy Guy raised $35,587, compared to Republican incumbent Chris Stolle’s $29,005
• HD-84: Democratic nominee Karen Mallard raised $31,864, compared to Republican incumbent Glenn Davis’s $14,900
• HD-94: Democratic nominee Shelly Simonds raised $71,840, compared to Republican incumbent David Yancey’s $46,596
• HD-100: Democratic nominee Phil Hernandez raised $48,079, compared to Republican incumbent Rob Bloxom’s $1,922

A recent poll by the Wason Center for Public Policy poll found that Virginians are already 4% more likely to vote for Democrats in 2019, even eight months away from the November election.