Kelly raises $38.7 million in third quarter for Arizona Senate bid

Democratic Arizona Senate candidate Mark Kelly raised $38.7 million in the third quarter of 2020, Kelly’s campaign said Thursday.

The number brings the campaign’s total election cycle fundraising to almost $83 million, including $12.8 million in the second quarter.

“From day one, this mission has been powered by Arizonans chipping in what they can and volunteering their time — and it’s because of those cactus roots that we are fueled up and ready to launch Mark into the Senate in 19 days,” campaign manager Jen Cox said in a statement.

“Mark is going to be the independent voice Arizona needs, working together with Republicans and Democrats to get things done for our state — like beating this virus, rebuilding our economy, and defending protections for Arizonans with pre-existing conditions,” Cox added.

Kelly, who is challenging Sen. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), is one of several Democratic challengers reporting record fundraising hauls during the 2020 election cycle. Jaime Harrison, who is challenging Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), reported $57 million for the same quarter, while MJ Hegar, who is challenging Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), raised more than $13 million in the same quarter.

Kansas state Sen. Barbara Bollier (D), who is challenging Rep. Roger Marshall (R) for the state’s open Senate seat, also reported a record $13.5 million between July and September.

McSally, who was appointed to her seat in late 2018 after losing a race for Arizona’s other Senate seat, is considered among the most vulnerable Republican Senate incumbents up for reelection this year, and Kelly is one of Senate Democratic leaders’ top recruits of the cycle. 

Most polling has shown Kelly with a wide lead over McSally. The RealClearPolitics average of Senate polls gives Kelly a lead of 8 points.