See below for graphics (source: VPAP) on gubernatorial fundraising in this election cycle, and in previous election cycles going back to 2001 (when Mark Warner was first elected). Here are a few takeaways:
- “Candidates seeking major-party nominations for Governor raised $11 million in 2020, a record for the year before the election.” The previous high was $8.95 million at this point in the 2005 cycle (Tim Kaine vs. Republican Jerry Kilgore), and the low as $3.97 million at this point in the 2013 cycle (Terry McAuliffe vs. Republicans Ken Cuccinelli and Bill Bolling)
- This time around, Democrats are dominating gubernatorial fundraising so far, with Terry McAuliffe alone more money ($6.2 million) than all of the other candidates – Republicans and Democrats – combined. Democrat Jennifer Carroll Foy is in second place, at $1.9 million, followed by Democrat Jennifer McClellan at $1.2 million and Republicans Kirk Cox ($782k) and Amanda Chase ($715k) trailing behind…
- In 2017 at this time, Democrat Ralph Northam was at $2.6 million, well ahead of Republican Ed Gillespie ($1.7 million), who Northam ended up beating by a wide margin (8.9 points) in November 2017.
- In 2013 at this time, Republican Ken Cuccinelli was leading at $1.5 million, followed by Terry McAuliffe at $1.3 million and Republican Bill Bolling at $1.2 million. McAuliffe ended up winning – albeit narrowly (2.6 points) – over Cuccinelli in November 2013.
- In 2009 at this time, Republican Bob McDonnell was leading at $3.1 million, followed by Democrats Brian Moran ($2.0 million), Creigh Deeds ($1.5 million) and Terry McAuliffe ($1.1 million). McDonnell went on to win by a wide margin (17.3 points) over Deeds in November.
- In 2005 at this time, Tim Kaine and Republican Jerry Kilgore were basically tied, with Kaine at $4.5 million and Kilgore at $4.4 million. Kaine went on to win in November 2005 by 5.7 points.
- In 2001 at this time, Mark Warner was way ahead, at $5.0 million, followed by Republicans John Hager ($1.9 milion) and Mark Earley ($1.6 million). Warner went on to defeat Earley in November 2001 by 5.2 points.
********************************************************