Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Butler) maintained his fundraising advantage over Democratic challenger Kristy Gnibus in the third quarter for the race in the 16th Congressional District. 

Kelly’s campaign raised $365,000 from the beginning of July to the end of September, while spending just over $130,000 during this time period. His third quarter haul is twice the amount he raised in the previous quarter when his campaign brought in $175K from the beginning of April to the end of June. 

The fifth term Republican has now raised $2.07 million in the election cycle-to-date and entered October with $1.32 million cash on hand.

Gnibus, a teacher in Erie, raised just over $280,000 from the beginning of July to the end of September, while spending $290,000 during this time period. Her third quarter haul is three times more than she raised in the previous quarter when she brought in $90K from the beginning of April to the end of June. 

Gnibus has now raised $480,000 in the election cycle-to-date and entered October with just under $50,000 cash on hand. 

Kelly is currently serving in his fifth term in Congress representing the Western Pennsylvania district. He bested Democrat Ron DiNicola in his most recent reelection bid by close to 4.5 points in 2018, in the Trump friendly district. His victory over DiNicola was his closest race since winning his seat in Congress. 

Kelly had the largest margin of victory in 2018 among the three candidates that the DCCC is attempting to unseat in the state. The Butler County Republican represents the most Trump friendly district of the three targeted by the DCCC. 

The Cook Political Report has the race listed as Likely Republican, while Inside Elections and Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball have the race rated as Solid Republican.