Clinton raises record $45M for ’16 bid

by Ben Kamisar - 07/01/15 11:36 AM ET

Hillary Clinton has raised more than $45 million in the first quarter of her presidential bid, a record haul for presidential candidates in any quarter.

“Still running the numbers—but here’s what we know: In the first quarter of this campaign, supporters gave more than $45 million,” Clinton tweeted on Wednesday morning.

{mosads}She also retweeted a tweet from campaign chairman John Podesta, who said that 91 percent of all donations were $100 or less, and posted a picture of a handwritten note thanking her donors.

“Thank you so much for being a part of this campaign. I’m grateful for all you’ve done and excited for what comes next,” she wrote.

“While the road ahead is tough, you need the best people by your side. That’s why I’m thankful for you. With warm regards, Hillary.”

That breaks the previous record of $42 million set by President Obama in 2011 during his reelection campaign.

That figure came as a part of a $68 million haul, where most of the additional money was raised for the Democratic National Committee.

Active presidential campaigns closed their fundraising books for the quarter at the end of June but have an additional 15 days to file their results. Campaigns with strong totals often announce the numbers early for maximum impact.

In Clinton’s case, the decision to share the record-breaking announcement could help persuade donors that she has solidified support in the party despite challenges from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley.

Her total will likely be significantly higher than any of her Republican counterparts, with GOP donors divvying up their cash between more than a dozen likely and declared candidates.

Clinton launched her 2016 campaign just 12 days into the fundraising quarter, giving the campaign almost all of the days available to build its war chest.

— This story was updated at 11:45 a.m.

Tags 2016 Presidential race Hillary Clinton