Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has raised over $9.7 million in the first quarter of 2024 in preparation for his re-election campaign. This amount is almost double what he raised in the previous three months and significantly more than what he raised during his last re-election campaign in 2018. Cruz’s total cash-on-hand after the first quarter is $15.1 million, which includes funds raised for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and the Republican Party of Texas (RPT). His team reports that he received over 179,000 unique contributions with an average contribution of $35.73, demonstrating widespread support for his campaign.
Cruz’s Democratic challenger, Rep. Colin Allred, has not yet announced his first quarter fundraising figures. Allred, a former professional football player and three-term congressman, raised $4.8 million in the fourth quarter of last year. Cruz narrowly defeated Beto O’Rourke in the 2018 Senate race, which garnered national attention. Cruz has branded himself as a target for Democrats, claiming that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is specifically focusing on Texas. He believes that Democrats will spend over $100 million in Texas this year, but he is confident in the support he has received from conservatives across the country.
Republicans are hoping to win back the Senate majority in 2024, with Democrats currently holding a slim 51-49 majority. The GOP needs to gain one or two seats, depending on the outcome of the presidential election, to regain control of the chamber. Democrats are defending 23 of the 34 seats up for grabs, with key Senate races in red states that Trump carried in 2020, as well as swing states narrowly won by President Biden. Senate Republicans have seen success in recruiting popular candidates in blue states such as Maryland, as they aim to secure competitive GOP-held seats in Texas and Florida this November.
Cruz’s fundraising success in the first quarter of 2024 reflects a growing momentum for his re-election campaign in Texas. His team emphasizes the urgency of securing a victory in light of Democratic threats to Texas’ way of life. Cruz plans to continue engaging with Texans across the state to ensure that Texas remains a bastion of liberty. Democrats are expected to challenge Republicans in key Senate races, with Cruz highlighting the substantial financial support from conservatives nationwide as a crucial factor in countering Democratic efforts. The outcome of the 2024 Senate elections will play a significant role in determining the balance of power in the Senate.
