Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates, Walker File First Fundraising Reports

Gov. Scott Walker raised $3.7 million the last six months of 2017, putting him ahead of his Democratic field of challengers but behind what he did four years ago.

Walker reported his numbers Tuesday.

In the last six months of 2013, Walker raised $5.1 million for a total of $8.6 million that year. But in 2017 his total raised was $7.1 million.

Seven top tier Democrats who are running against him raised a total of about $2.3 million over the past six months. Collectively they have about $1.1 million cash on hand, while Walker has $4.2 million.

Combined with Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and the state Republican Party, the cash on hand available to help re-elect Walker comes close to $7 million.

Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates

State Superintendent Tony Evers has raised just over $312,000, putting him in the top tier of fundraising among Democratic candidates. Evers reported he had about $115,000 cash on hand as of January.

Three other Democrats reported raising more than Evers, aided by their own personal wealth.

Former Democratic Party chairman Matt Flynn brought in $350,000, but he loaned his campaign $40,000. Milwaukee businessman Andy Gronik raised $554,000, but $450,000 came out of his own pocket. And state Rep. Dana Wachs raised $514,000, with $235,000 coming from his own personal wealth.

Evers has not spent any of his own money on the campaign so far.

State firefighter union leader Mahlon Mitchell raised nearly $310,000 over seven weeks.

Former state Rep. Kelda Roys raised $163,000 in just 18 days.

And political activist Mike McCabe said he raised $104,000 through the end of the year. He’s refusing to accept any donations more than $200. McCabe and his wife spent $25,000 of their own money.

The first fundraising reports are an early indication of support for the crowded field looking to take on Walker.

The Democratic primary is in August with the general election in November. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Walker in November.

Editor’s Note: This story was last updated at 3:26 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, with campaign fundraising figures from Walker.