Millions of dollars continue to pour into Maryland’s Senate election between former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D), new campaign finance reports show.

The candidates themselves reported big hauls over the past three months in the tight race to replace departing U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D). And those efforts have been supplemented by secondary fundraising committees and robust outside spending — including a pro-Hogan political action committee that has raised an eye-popping $27 million so far and has spent almost $11 million.

The July 1 to Sept. 30 campaign fundraising and spending reports, filed Tuesday with the Federal Election Commission, confirm that Maryland’s Senate race continues to be one of the most closely watched in the nation this year — a rarity for the state — with Democrats clinging to a two-seat majority that is in danger of changing hands.

Recent public polls have shown a small and durable lead for Alsobrooks — but nothing insurmountable, as Hogan remains better known and still is popular after eight years as governor.

When it comes to their own fundraising committees, Alsobrooks appears to have bested Hogan in money raised over the past quarter, based on a quick read of the campaign finance reports, which were posted to the FEC website late Tuesday. But the campaigns have moved a lot of money in and out of their principal fundraising entities and auxiliary accounts over the past few months, so it is difficult at first glance to calculate what the campaigns’ bottom lines are.

Alsobrooks’ campaign committee reported raising more than $13.4 million and spending $13.6 million between July 1 and Sept. 30, which included a transfer of almost $2.4 million from a separate entity, the Alsobrooks Victory Fund, which reported collecting almost $3.8 million over the last three months.

The victory fund doled out more than $3.5 million during the previous quarter, including the money it sent to Alsobrooks’ campaign committee.

Delaney widens lead over Parrott on the fundraising and spending front

Overall, Alsobrooks’ campaign fund has raised almost $26 million since she entered the race in May 2023. It has spent $22.5 million for the election, and as of Sept. 30, she had more than $3.6 million in her war chest.

The Alsobrooks Victory Fund has brought in $6.6 million this election cycle and spent $6.2 million. It had about $433,000 in the bank on Sept. 30.

Alsobrooks is also collecting money from a joint fundraising committee that was set up during the summer for herself and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), who is also bidding to become one of the few Black women elected to the Senate (the congresswoman is heavily favored to win her race next month). The Alsobrooks-Blunt Rochester Victory Fund reported raising $75,000 during the three-month period and spending just shy of $70,000. Of that, $26,000 went to Alsobrooks’ campaign, and $30,500 went to Blunt Rochester.

Another joint fundraising committee that has since been closed, established for Alsobrooks and U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Michigan, transferred $13,000 to the Alsobrooks campaign during the summer.

Alsobrooks also has a leadership PAC, called AlsoPAC, which has raised $180,000 this election cycle, but is mostly sending that money to other candidates.

Hogan’s principal campaign committee reported taking in more than $3.2 million over the past three months and spending $4.3 million during the same period. The money that came in included a $756,000 transfer from a separate entity known as the Hogan Victory Fund, which on its own raised $5.4 million from July 1 to Sept. 30.

Hogan has raised more than $10.2 million for his Senate campaign account since entering the race in February, and just shy of $12 million for the victory fund. The campaign committee has spent $8.7 million on the election, while the victory fund has spent over $10 million.

Hogan’s campaign committee reported over $1.5 million on hand as of Sept. 30, while his victory fund banked $1.8 million.

A separate Hogan PAC called Better Path Forward, reported raising $92,000 over the past three months and spending $51,775 during that period. The PAC has raised $390,000 this election cycle and spent $366,000. According to the PAC’s FEC report, the entity has both collected money from and sent money to the Hogan Victory Fund.

Better Path Forward had $181,000 in its campaign account as of Sept. 30.

Poll: Majority of Marylanders support reproductive rights ballot question

Just as significant, Hogan is reaping the benefits of spending from an independent committee, Maryland’s Future PAC, which raised $27 million through Sept. 30 and spent almost $11 million, mostly on TV and radio ads and mailers that attack Alsobrooks.

The super PAC, which is not bound by federal campaign finance limits that apply to campaign committees, has received huge contributions from national business titans and regular Republican donors. In the most recent quarterly report, Maryland’s Future received a $2 million contribution from the Senate Leadership Fund, which is controlled by allies of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). It received a $1 million donation from casino mogul Steve Wynn, and another $1 million from James Davis, the chair of New Balance Shoes.

In addition to spending millions on ads attacking Alsobrooks, the PAC reported spending $990,000 over the past three months on canvassing and $172,000 for polling, paid to the well-respected GOP firm Public Opinion Strategies. It has reserved millions more in advertising over the final weeks of the campaign.

At a more modest level, Alsobrooks has been the beneficiary of an independent entity called Unity First PAC that was set up earlier this year by Gov. Wes Moore (D) to oppose Hogan, his predecessor. That PAC reported raising $288,000 over the past three months and $448,000 overall. The PAC spent $203,001 since July 1 and had $215,200.26 in the bank on Sept. 30.

The biggest donation to that PAC this quarter, $100,000, came from the Mid-Atlantic Laborers Political Education Fund.

State of play

Polls have shown a close race between Alsobrooks and Hogan, but the last handful to have been released over the past few weeks have the Democrat with a small advantage. The most recent, according to the Senate Leadership Fund, put Alsobrooks ahead 48% to 41%. The existence of the poll, by Public Opinion Strategies, was first reported Sunday night by Politico.

Alsobrooks has sought to make Maryland’s potential role in determining control of the Senate a major part of her campaign message. But many national strategists and pundits believe the Senate is likely to change hands regardless of what happens in Maryland — even if the new round of Republican state-by-state polls isn’t as encouraging as GOP leaders would like.

In a virtual appearance Tuesday before the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, Hogan tried to blunt Alsobrooks’ argument that Maryland could be pivotal when it comes to Senate control, and said he is uniquely qualified to work with other moderates in the chamber to bring more comity and compromise.

“I’m not going to flip anything, but I think I’m going to be the most important one there,” Hogan said.

Meanwhile, Alsobrooks debuted a positive TV ad Tuesday, suggesting she is ready to work for Marylanders’ top priorities, including fighting “corporate price gouging,” ensuring prescription drugs are more affordable, keeping neighborhoods safe and protecting seniors’ retirement funds.

“In Maryland, we live closer to the halls of the U.S. Senate than anywhere in America,” she said at the top of the 30-second spot. “But often it feels like they’re on another planet.”

As the 2024 general election approaches, Maryland voters are encouraged to prepare by being aware of key deadlines and processes to ensure their voices are heard at the polls.

The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) today is reminding Marylanders that the advance deadline to register to vote in this year’s Presidential General Election is Tuesday, October 15.

To register to vote or check that your registration is up to date, use SBE’s online registration system.

Those who prefer not to register online may print the registration form (English version and Spanish version) and submit it at their local board of elections. If a voter is sending in their voter registration by mail, it must be postmarked by October 15.

Key Election Dates:

• General Election Date: November 5, 2024

Voter Registration Deadlines:

• In-Person Deadline: October 15, 2024 – The last day to register to vote in person at your local board of elections.
• Online Registration Deadline: October 15, 2024 – You can register or update your voter information until this date through Maryland’s online voter registration system.
• Mail-In Registration Deadline: Your completed voter registration form must be postmarked by October 15, 2024, to be eligible for the general election.

Vote by Mail (Mail-In Ballots):

• Apply for a Mail-In Ballot: To vote by mail, you must apply for a mail-in ballot. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot online or by mail is October 29, 2024.
• Ballot Return: Your completed mail-in ballot must be postmarked by November 5, 2024, and received by your local board of elections by 10 a.m. on November 15, 2024. Ballots may also be submitted in person at ballot drop boxes by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Early Voting:

• Early Voting Period: October 24 – October 31, 2024 – Maryland offers early voting for those who want to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. Early voting centers will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voting In-Person on Election Day:

• Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 5, 2024. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you will still be allowed to vote.

Where to Vote:

• Polling Locations: You can find your assigned polling place by visiting the Maryland State Board of Elections website. There are also ballot drop-off locations available for those returning mail-in ballots.

Voter ID:

Maryland does not require voters to present identification to vote in most cases. However, if this is your first time voting in a federal election in Maryland and you registered by mail, you may need to provide ID at the polls.

2024 Election Information:

Maryland voters will have the opportunity to vote in a range of elections, including for U.S. President, Congressional seats, state legislature races, and various local offices. In addition, several local ballot initiatives may also be up for consideration, depending on your area.

It’s crucial to verify your voter registration status and make any necessary updates before the registration deadline. Maryland residents can check their registration status online at the Maryland State Board of Elections website or by contacting their local board of elections.

For more detailed information, including sample ballots, polling locations, and mail-in voting instructions, visit the Maryland State Board of Elections website at https://elections.maryland.gov.

By staying informed and adhering to the deadlines, Maryland voters can help ensure a smooth and successful voting experience in the 2024 election.

Canvassing: What Maryland Voters Should Know

Canvassing refers to the process of reviewing and counting mail-in and provisional ballots to ensure they meet state election requirements. According to the Maryland State Board of Elections, the canvassing of mail-in ballots begins before Election Day and continues afterward.

Key Dates for Canvassing:

• Pre-Election Canvassing: The initial canvassing of mail-in ballots begins on October 18, 2024, six days before early voting starts. Election officials will open, review, and begin counting mail-in ballots, but the results will not be made public until after the polls close on Election Day.
• Post-Election Canvassing: Canvassing of mail-in ballots received after Election Day begins on November 7, 2024, and continues until all ballots are processed. This includes any ballots postmarked by November 5 but received before the 10 a.m. deadline on November 15, 2024.
• Provisional Ballot Canvassing: Canvassing of provisional ballots will begin on November 13, 2024. These ballots are used by voters whose eligibility is in question on Election Day and require further verification before they are counted.

Important Canvassing Procedures:

• Public Observation: Canvassing sessions are open to the public. Any individual interested in observing the canvassing process can do so by attending the local board of elections’ canvassing sessions. Each local board will publish details on how and when canvassing occurs.
• Transparency: All canvassing activities are conducted with bipartisan oversight to ensure that the process is fair and transparent.

Ensuring Your Vote Counts:

It’s important for Maryland voters to check their registration status and verify their eligibility before the registration deadline. You can do this by visiting the Maryland State Board of Elections website or contacting your local election office.

By adhering to the deadlines and staying informed about the canvassing process, voters can ensure that their participation in the 2024 election is counted and fully transparent.

This entry was posted on October 15, 2024 at 2:02 am and is filed under A, All News, Anne Arundel News, Calvert News, Charles News, Community, County, Education, More News, Politics, Prince George’s News, St. Mary’s News, z 600X120 Top Ad Bottom, z 600X120 Top Ad Top. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.