From highs to lows, FEC reports offer an early 2024 temperature – JP

Of the 31 Democrats in seats that will be in play next year according to Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales, the average incumbent raised $420,000 during the quarter and had $400,000 on hand on March 31. The 33 battleground House Republicans, meanwhile, raised an average $639,000 during the quarter and had nearly $700,000 on hand. 

While opposing parties are targeting their seats, many of these incumbents do not have challengers yet, so the early fundraising means future opponents have that much more ground to make up.

New York Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan took in the most of any battleground incumbent, with receipts of nearly $1.2 million, including $50,000 the congressman loaned to his campaign on Jan. 6. California Rep. Michelle Steel led the Republicans, with nearly $1.1 million, including a $150,000 personal loan on March 31. Two other Republicans, California’s Ken Calvert and Arizona freshman Juan Ciscomani, also raised more than $1 million during the quarter, with no loans.

At the other end of the spectrum, embattled New York Republican Rep. George Santos reported raising just $5,333, and had $25,000 on hand on March 31 for a race that’s rated a Toss-up by Inside Elections. Democratic candidate Josh Lafazan, a Nassau County legislator, reported raising more than $345,000.

Republican leaders in his district have called on Santos to resign after repeated revelations that he falsified his employment and personal background. The New York Post reported Santos would announce Monday he is seeking reelection, however, and quoted an anonymous source saying Santos was telling supporters and potential contributors he expects to raise between $500,000 and $750,000 during the second quarter.