Two groups backing Ohio Gov. John Kasich announced Friday they had pulled in $11.5 million since May 1.
“The response to Governor Kasich’s message has been strong. Supporters are looking for a record of accomplishment and someone who looks out for all Americans,” New Day Executive Director Matt Carle said in a statement Friday.
New Day for America, Kasich’s 527 group that can run political ads with unlimited individual and corporate contributions, as well as an affiliated organization, New Day for America Independent Media, touted the haul at a critical juncture for Kasich. The Ohio governor is not formally entering the race until July 21, but he faces the possibility he might not make it onto the stage for the first Republican debate next month.
To forestall that possibility, Kasich supporters spent $1.7 million to go on air in New Hampshire with the first major ad buy of the 2016 cycle.
Kasich’s haul puts him near the middle of the Republican pack, based on announced fundraising tallies so far. The Jeb Bush apparatus leads the pack with an eye-popping $114 million and Sen. Ted Cruz drew in a surprising $51 million with the help of a string of super PACs. On the Democratic side, a set of groups backing Hillary Clinton say they have raised $24 million and her campaign has raised $45 million.