O’Rourke sees dramatic drop in second quarter fundraising
Beto O’Rourke raised just $3.6 million for his presidential campaign in the second quarter, a dramatic drop in fundraising that underscores his campaign’s struggle to gain traction.
The former Texas congressman entered the race with a glowing cover story in Vanity Fair and speculation that he would be a top contender. But the total his campaign announced Monday night was far less than the $9.3 million he raised last quarter and places him toward the back of the pack.
O’Rourke’s campaign is trying to keep a positive outlook on the latest numbers.
“When you look at our fundraising in aggregate, we’re in a great position,” campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon wrote to supporters. “I won’t sugar coat it: we have work to do, but we have the resources we need to execute our strategy.”
O’Rourke’s $3.6 million raised in the second quarter is a far cry from the leaders in the polls. South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg edged the pack raising $24.8 million in the second quarter. Former Vice President Joe Biden raised $21.5 million. Senator Elizabeth Warren came in third with $19.1 million while Senator Bernie Sanders raised $18 million and Senator Kamala Harris raised $12 million.
O’Rourke has struggled to reclaim the magic of his losing 2018 bid for Senate against Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, which brought him closer to winning statewide than any Democrat had in years. He set records in that race, raising over $80 million.
