Virginia Democrats are seeing a surge in campaign donations ahead of the November elections, including some regional races in Richmond.
The most recent campaign finance reports show House Democratic candidates now have a $1 million advantage over House Republicans. In July and August, Democratic candidate Schuyler VanValkenburg of Henrico raised more than $150,000. That was more than five times the amount raised by his Republican opponent GayDonna Vandergriff who only raised around $29,000 in that same period.
In the 11th District Senate race, newcomer Amanda Pohl outraised incumbent Senator Amanda Chase, who came into office during the Tea Party wave in 2016.
Pohl, who now has more cash on hand than Chase, said her fundraising numbers reflect her growing grassroots base.
“I think that it shows that people are really looking at this race and they want someone who represents their values, represents all of our values,” Pohl said. “Ninety-five percent of [my] donors make a contribution of $250 or less.”
Chase did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Senate Democratic candidate Ghazala Hashmi of Midlothian raised nearly double the amount of Republican Incumbent Glen Sturtevant.