Endangered House Republicans Tally Poor Fundraising Numbers
Rep. Marty McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills), one of the most endangered House Republicans in 2024.
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Seven incumbent House Republicans represent districts won by President Joe Biden in 2020. New fundraising figures released this week show those Republicans posted light cash hauls, potentially putting their chances at re-election in peril.
Rep. Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) represents a district Biden won by 12 points. Biden won the Metro East district represented by Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) by over 7 points. Rep. Marty McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) represents a district won by 6 points. Biden also won districts represented by Rep. Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park), Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock), Rep. Dan Ugaste (R-Geneva), and Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian).
In the quarter ending June 30, Grant raised $850 and loaned herself another $2,000. She has around $7,000 cash on hand. Marron raised $550 and had around $4,500 cash on hand. Reick raised $600 and had around $10,000 cash. Sanalitro raised $600 and she has around $22,000 cash on hand. Ugaste raised around $12,000 and had around $26,000 cash on hand.
Schmidt, who is likely the top target of House Democrats next year, is being challenged by former Rep. LaToya Greenwood. Schmidt upset Greenwood last year.
In the last quarter, Schmidt, raised no money and has around $6,000 cash on hand.
“If these members don’t get their act together, they’re going to lose,” said a GOP operative who wasn’t authorized to speak on the record. “Successful politicians have local fundraising networks. There’s no local infrastructure here.”
We reached out to Grant, Schmidt, McLaughlin, Reick, Ugaste, and Marron Thursday. Marron declined comment. McLaughlin said he would have the resources he needs to win.
“We have a plan and strong supporters who want an independent take on what’s really happening in Springfield and they know they’ll get it from me,” he said. “I am confident we will be in a strong position to defend this seat and attract Republicans, independents, and moderate Democrats.”
The new Executive Director of the Illinois House Republican campaign arm, Tony Esposito, did not respond to a message from The Illinoize Thursday.
It’s not clear if the endangered members can count on much support from the House GOP campaign arm, either. House Speaker Chris Welch and his caucus committee has around $2.3 million cash on hand. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) and her campaign committees have around $562,000 cash on hand.
The prospects aren’t as bleak for Senate Republicans. Only four incumbent Senate Republicans are up for re-election in 2024 (Bennett, Bryant, Plummer, Stoller) and all represent safe Republican districts. Of the 17 Senate Democrats on the ballot in 2024, only Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) represents a district Biden won by fewer than ten points (6.9%) in 2020.