National Republicans are leaning on the fundraising prowess, and personal wealth, of their candidates in 2024 battleground states as the party grapples with a fundraising shortfall against Democrats.
Republicans have historically lagged Democrats in fundraising, and, with some exceptions, this cycle will be no different. The fundraising arms of national Democrats came into 2024 with more in the bank than their Republican counterparts for both the House and Senate.
The same can be said of former President Donald Trump, whose legal troubles have made catching up to his 2024 rival, President Joe Biden, even more difficult.
The fundraising gap presents a challenge for Republicans as they seek to maintain a razor-thin House majority. Meanwhile, they have a favorable Senate map but will need to contend with the tens of millions in ads Democrats have already booked in states that will decide control of the chamber.
Yet the party sees a weapon that will help make up that shortfall in what could be a record-breaking year for campaign spending. Republicans plan to rely on the war chests of the candidates themselves.
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