The candidates for governor and other statewide races have released their final fundraising reports before next month’s election. It’s been a record-breaking election for at least one race.
Campaign finance filings show Democrat Richard Cordray outraised Republican Mike DeWine in the final stretch. Cordray brought in $1.88 million in contributions and in-kind donations between October 1-17, compared to $1.27 million for DeWine.
That brings the candidates’ total fundraising to $44 million – more than any other governor’s race in state history. Cordray raised about $15.5 million while DeWine raised $29 million, though that includes $4 million from two personal loans.
In the final stretch, DeWine has six times the cash on hand that Cordray does: $6 million compared to about $1.1 million.
In the downticket races, three of the four Democrats outraised the Republicans, with no bigger margin than in the attorney general race. Democrat Steve Dettelbach brought in $803,079 compared to $316,858 for Republican Dave Yost, and has more available cash too - $2.6 million compared to $2.1 million. But Dettelbach also spent a lot more money than Yost.
Kathleen Clyde, the Democratic candidate for Secretary of State, raised $386,357 while her opponent Republican Frank LaRose raised $280,204. LaRose reported more cash on hand, though.
In the auditor race, Republican Keith Faber out-raised Democrat Zack Space, with $225,699 in contributions compared to $200,685. Democratic treasurer candidate Rob Richardson out-raised Republican Robert Sprague, $203,886 compared to $172,153.