North Carolina’s three most well-funded Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate released fundraising totals this week, revealing that one — Cheri Beasley — far out-raised her competition. Beasley, the former state Supreme Court chief justice, will report raising $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2021, according to her campaign. She outpaced state Sen. Jeff Jackson, who will report raising more than $900,000 in the third quarter, his campaign said. Former state Sen. Erica Smith’s campaign says the candidate raised $128,000 in the third quarter. The fundraising totals provide a glimpse into the current stage of the campaign. Candidates have been on the trail, with both Smith and Jackson completing 100-county tours in 100 days. Beasley, meanwhile, has racked up valuable endorsements and secured more money than any other candidate in a single quarter so far. While Jackson has raised more overall, Beasley has far out-raised him in the past two quarters. Get unlimited digital access
“With her showing this past quarter, it does feel like she can claim front-runner status just based on dollar amounts,” said Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College. At this stage of the primary race, candidates want to send “clear signals about front-runner status,” he said. Fundraising is one of the most effective ways to do that. Republican candidates have not yet released their fundraising totals. The campaign finance quarterly reports are due Oct. 15.
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