In what can only be described as jaw-dropping numbers, Democratic candidate for governor Josh Shapiro raised over $25.4 million in the third quarter and sits on a pile of $10.9 million entering the final stretch of the campaign.
While not a national record, it is an impressive sum for a gubernatorial candidate, overshadowing the $7.2 million that Gov. Tom Wolf raised for his reelection bid in the third quarter of 2018. Wolf pulled in $9.6 million in the same time period in 2014.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General also spent an eye-opening $27.9 million of his war chest during the timeframe, including more than $17 million on what was defined as advertising with Grassroots Media LLC in Bala Cynwyd.
Shapiro reported $11.5 million in gifts above $250 and $9.66M from political committees. He raised $2.7M in gifts under $250.
He received $5.1 million from the Democratic Governors Association, $500,000 apiece from Service Employees International Union, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) PAC, and AFSCME People Public Emp Org to Promote Legislative Equality, and $250,000 from Committee For a Better Tomorrow.
Three individuals – Reid Hoffman, a founder of LinkedIn and former executive vice president at PayPal; Michael Bloomberg, the CEO of company of the same name; and physician Jennifer Duda each contributed $500,000 to Shapiro’s campaign. At least eight other individuals chipped in $100,000, while Phillies majority owner John Middleton added $50,000 to the coffers.
GOP opponent Doug Mastriano pulled in $3.17 million during the same period, spending just under one million. He has $2.57 million cash in hand headed into the final six weeks.
The state senator from Franklin County reported $2.554 million in contributions over $250, including $174,000 from political action committees (Pennsylvania Opportunity, Range Resources Energy Independence and ProtectingPA), and $420,385.06 in smaller contributions.
Mastriano’s largest individual gifts came from GOP megadonor Richard Uihlein and his wife, Elizabeth, who gave a combined $1 million to the campaign. Eric Kendle, general manager of Keystone RV Center in Greencastle, and William “B.J.” Werzyn, the CEO of West Shore Home in Mechanicsburg, each contributed $50,000.
Running mate Carrie DelRosso also contributed $50,000 from her Carrie For PA PAC.
Mastriano’s campaign also accepted a $500 donation from Andrew Torba on July 22. The GOP candidate has come under fire from all circles about his connection with the controversial founder of Gab.
3 Responses
The two pics speak volumes. Shapiro looks modern and ready to lead PA forward. Mastriano is a politician ready to reward his extremist followers and take PA backwards.
People need to research the Richard Uihlien character and his wife. Billionaire trucking company owner from Wisconsin. Appears to have a hate for public schools. How insane is it that he meddles in elections all over the US trying to elect idiots who will screw over public education. He must not think he needs educated people driving his trucks. REALLY, the time has come to pass legislation to reverse Citizens United and the damage that ruling has done.
You are worried about a trucking company owner???? Please explain WHY shapiro
is accepting millions from George Soro’s daughter???? You better wake up sir!!!