OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Former Trump White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders is a fundraising machine.
Sanders, who is running to be the next governor of Arkansas, raised a whopping $1.6M last quarter.
Sanders, the lone Republican running in the governor’s race, said her fourth-quarter fundraising increased her total haul to more than $12.8 million.
Chris Jones, one of the four Democratic gubernatorial candidates, reported he hauled in $329,000 in contributions.
His fundraising total is around $1.3 million, which is far behind the war chest amassed by Sanders.
Sanders, the daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, said her campaign’s record-breaking support is “a testament to the leader Arkansans want — one who will invest in our kids’ education while ensuring parental control, create higher-paying jobs, and keep our communities safe.”
“Clearly this message of opportunity is resonating, and together we will make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” she added.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported:
Of Sanders’ 87,000 donors, nearly 11,000 are Arkansans, according to the campaign.
For the primary election, she reported raising nearly $1.46 million in contributions and spending about $1.35 million last quarter, leaving a balance of $5.58 million on Dec. 31.
For the general election, she raised $161,693.88 and spent nothing, leaving a balance of $1.76 million.
Jones raised $324,576 and spent $466,180.06 in the primary election last quarter, leaving a balance of $309,725.36.
For the general election, Jones reported raising $4,270 and spending nothing last quarter, leaving him with a balance of $21,240.
Barring something unexpected, Sanders is well on her way to being the next governor of Arkansas.
Not only does she have a massive financial war chest, but Sanders has also received a glowing endorsement from Donald Trump.
Trump previously called her a “warrior who will always fight for the people of Arkansas and do what is right, not what is politically correct.”
Thank you President Trump for your endorsement and for always believing in me. As governor I will defend our freedom and lead with heart pic.twitter.com/QFtyuNpSm1
— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) January 26, 2021
Outgoing Arkansas GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson has also endorsed Sanders.
In a statement, Hutchinson said: “I’ve known Sarah Huckabee Sanders most of her life and know firsthand her love for our state and her heart for public service. Sarah has earned the Republican nomination and I’m delighted today to endorse her for Governor. The state of Arkansas will be in good hands with Sarah as Governor, and she has my full support.”
“I am honored to have the endorsement and full support of Governor Hutchinson. I am thankful for his leadership in lowering taxes and laying the foundation for future growth and prosperity. As governor, I will continue his work to lower and phase out the state income tax and unleash bold, conservative reforms that will create opportunity for all Arkansans,” Sanders said about Hutchinson’s endorsement.
