Democrats and Republicans are essentially ignoring the 2017 governor’s race in New Jersey in a year filled with expensive special elections.
The New Jersey “big six” campaign groups experienced a severely reduced haul so far in 2017 compared to previous gubernatorial elections in the state, according to a Wednesday report from Politico. The “big six” groups include the spending arms of the Republican and Democratic parties, as well as a handful of leadership funds.
The group only earned $1.1 million so far in the first quarter of 2017, which includes the months of January, February, and March.
The groups earned $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2013, during Gov. Chris Christie’s reelection campaign, and $1.7 million in the first quarter of 2009.
Democrats outpace Republicans in overall donations so far in New Jersey, raising $800,443 compared to Republican group’s combined $275,473. Republicans still carry the lead in overall cash on hand due to money already in the campaign accounts, but it’s a narrow lead.
It’s been a very expensive year in other races so far. Gubernatorial candidates in Virginia are faring much better. Both Democrats have earned a few million each since the race began, and former chair of the Republican National Committee Ed Gillespie also did well, earning $1.8 million.
The Georgia special election to replace former Rep. Tom Price was also incredibly expensive for both sides. Democrat Jon Ossoff raised $8.3 million in the first quarter of 2017, and Republican interest groups spent roughly $6 million in opposition to Ossoff.
The Kansas special election to replace former Rep. Mike Pompeo was also more expensive than it was supposed to be. The Republican Party invested $130,000 directly backing Republican winner Ron Estes.
It will be difficult to invest in the New Jersey gubernatorial race, primarily because there are six Democratic candidates, and five Republicans running. Most partisan spending is severely restricted during the primary season, unless it’s a particular candidate, like GOP spending during the Georgia race.
New Jersey scheduled the primary for June 6th, just a few days after the Montana special election, and about two weeks before the runoff election in Georgia.
Spending on either side is likely to coalesce around the survivors of the primary once the parties are better able to spend freely on behalf of a single candidate.
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