SANTA FE – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Michelle Lujan Grisham raised more than twice as much money as her Republican opponent over the past month, and she outspent him, too.
But Republican Steve Pearce has more cash available as the race heads into its final four weeks.
Monday was a campaign reporting deadline in New Mexico, offering a peek at the candidates’ financial activity for most of September.
Lujan Grisham raised about $1.1 million during the reporting period, while Pearce took in $417,000.
She also outspent him $1.6 million to $1.1 million.
Pearce, however, had a cash advantage heading into the homestretch, with about $1.3 million available as of Oct. 1. Lujan Grisham had $782,000.
Both candidates – members of Congress who are giving up safe seats to run for governor – say they’re well-prepared for the final month of the campaign.
“As Steve Pearce makes his closing argument to voters, he is well-positioned to win in November and lead the state to a better future,” Pearce campaign manager Paul Smith said in a written statement.
Pearce’s contributors included ranchers and dairy owners. Koch Industries of Wichita, Kan., contributed $5,500.
Lujan Grisham’s donors included cannabis and solar energy companies. Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook, contributed $5,500.
“With one month to go, I’m thrilled to see continued momentum and support from thousands of donors, volunteers, and voters across New Mexico,” Lujan Grisham said in a written statement.
Here’s a look at some of the other candidates:
• Democrat Dayan Hochman has a substantial financial advantage over Republican Brad Winter in the race for an open House seat in Albuquerque. She reported about $52,000 in cash on hand, and Winter reported about $18,000.
The campaign to represent House District 15, covering part of the Northeast Heights and North Valley, is wide open because incumbent Republican Sarah Maestas Barnes isn’t seeking re-election.
• Republican Rep. Monica Youngblood, who was convicted of aggravated DWI last month, has more than twice as much cash on hand as her opponent, Democrat Karen Bash.
But Bash’s campaign is catching up. She raised about $30,000 during the reporting period, compared with Youngblood’s $5,900 in new contributions.
Youngblood has $59,000 in her account. Bash has $25,000.
