SCOOP: Final Pre-Primary Campaign Finance Numbers for Key Arizona Races

As the 2024 Arizona political primaries wind down, the latest fundraising numbers reveal a competitive landscape among the candidates vying for key seats. With campaign coffers swelling, each contender’s financial backing is poised to play a critical role in the upcoming elections. From state legislative hopefuls to incumbents, the disparity in fundraising efforts may forecast the political battles. In most of the matchups, Democrat candidates have significant funding advantages, likely due to cash infusions from the Democrat national organization.

Please note that each district elects one Senator and two House representatives. Please note that some candidates committed to the Arizona Clean Elections initiative. Their funding derives from public sources subject to the Initiative, including fees collected from civil and criminal penalties and voluntary taxpayer contributions. Participating candidates must also gather a specified number of $5 donations from voters to qualify for public funding, which is not listed herein. Numbers are listed as “YTD income, Cash-On-Hand.”

LD1 Senate:
This race for Republicans features a competitive three-way battle between Senator Ken Bennett, Steve Zipperman, and Mark Finchem. According to the latest campaign finance reports, Zipperman and Finchem have significantly outraised Bennett. Finchem, bolstered by Trump’s endorsement, has collected (and spent) substantial funds but currently faces depleted coffers.

• Ken Bennett (R) $95,880, $48,641
• Steve Zipperman (R)$162,976, $83,665
• Mark Fichem (R) $343,624, $13,554

Democrat Mike Fogel is running as a “Clean Elections” candidate and does not have a primary. He will face the Republican winner in the general election.

LD2 House:
There is no primary in this race, given that two seats are available. However, the candidates have been working hard to fundraise to run against their Democrat opponents. Incumbent Representative Justin Wilmeth is running alongside political insider Ari Bradshaw against Democrats Judy Schwiebert and Stephanie Simacek in the general election. The Republicans hope to win both seats and keep the slim Republican majority.

Bradshaw spent a significant amount to boost name recognition. Meanwhile, Democrat teacher and Deer Valley School Board member Simacek leads the pack in both fundraising and cash on hand.

Bradshaw stated in a conversation with Arizona Globe staff, “My opponent received many near max-out contributions from other Democratic committees and PACs. My bipartisan and grassroots support continues to be unmatched as the only candidate in the race who is actually from Arizona and the only candidate who has been running an active campaign. Unlike my opponent, I have to spend money to make money, whereas she gets a machine to raise money for herself. I believe I have more individual contributors than any other candidate for the State House in Arizona, and my average contribution is around $50. I have the support of the regular people – she has the support of the Democrat big-money donors. With a 10,000 Republican registered voter advantage, which has been rapidly growing, it is now a ‘lean-R’ district in most mockups. Justin Wilmeth and I together have more than enough to ensure that this district is an R pickup in November!”

• Ari Bradshaw (R) $128,067 $32,716
• Justin Wilmeth (R) $91,384 $97,609
• Stephanie Simacek (D) $177,788 $152,127

LD2 Senate:

The primary matchup is between incumbent Republican Senator Shawna Bolick and her opponent, Josh Barnett. Bolick has conserved most of the campaign funds she has raised so far, indicating her confidence in the primary. She appears to be saving her resources for the general election—if she can get past grassroots candidate Josh Barnett, who is running clean elections. In contrast, Democrat opponent Judy Schwiebert currently has an impressive fundraising advantage with no primary opponent.

• Shawnna Bolick (R) $185,414, $164,386
• Josh Barnett (R)- “Clean Elections”
• Judy Schwiebert (D) $313,164, $327,518

LD7 Senate:
The gloves have come off in this heated race. Rancher David Cook used the official candidate guide to launch a direct attack on Senator Wendy Rogers. Despite being one of AArizona’stop fundraisers, Rogers has spent a small fortune to maintain her seat. While there is a Democratic primary in the background, it’s clear that this Republican primary battle is the one to watch. In the general election, it would be almost impossible for a Democrat to take this seat.

• Wendy Rogers (R) $836,293, $30,243
• David Cook (R) $162,363, $62,417

LD17 Senate:
This race is one to watch as Vince Leach attempts to reclaim his seat from incumbent Senator Justine Wadsack. This contest has drawn significant attention due to the stark differences between the candidates. Wadsack is a member of the hard-right Arizona Freedom Caucus, while Leach is a traditional conservative who lost his seat to Wadsack in 2022. This case has grabbed a massive amount of media attention.

The Democrat in the race does not face a primary challenge. This primary is crucial as it could determine not only the direction of the district but also influence control of the Arizona Senate. John McLean is stacking a huge cash advantage to see who emerges from the ashes of this primary race.

• Vince Leach (R) $121,159, $39,381
• Justine Wadsack (R) $80,214, $33,819
• John McLean (D) $172,541, $147,11