Speaker Johnson Breaks Fundraising Record As Republicans Seek To Hold House Majority

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) hauled in a record $27.5 million in the third quarter this year giving Republicans a boost as they attempt to hold onto their narrow majority. 

The fundraising total included $19.4 million for political action committees and $8.1 million for candidates, according to Punchbowl News. Johnson’s office told the outlet that it was the most money ever raised by a Republican speaker during the third quarter leading up to Election Day. 

“In less than one year as Speaker, I’m thankful that we have been able to build a team and set new fundraising records that will ensure House Republicans can keep and grow our majority,” Johnson said. “Now with less than one month until the most important election of our lifetimes, another strong quarter shows voters are motivated down the stretch and ready to elect Republicans up and down the ballot to fix our economy, secure the border, and restore peace through strength.”

As Republicans hold onto just an eight-seat majority in the House, control of the chamber is expected to be up for grabs again in November. With 218 seats needed for a majority, current projections show Republicans with 212 likely or leaning seats and Democrats with 208 likely or leaning seats, with an additional 15 races expected to be toss-ups. 

Last week, the Congressional Leadership Fund, a PAC aligned with Johnson and House Republican leadership, announced that it had raised $81.4 million in the third quarter, which it said was its all-time record for fundraising in a quarter. As of September 30, CLF said it had raised a total of 212.2 million for the 2024 election cycle and had $153 million cash on hand.

“With just four weeks from Election Day, we are invested deeply and continuing to strategically add more in the must-win races that will determine the Majority,” said CLF President Dan Conston.

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Despite the record haul from CLF, Democrats still have a fundraising edge. The House Majority PAC, a Democrat-aligned group, said it raised $99 million in the third quarter, beating the CLF by $18 million. 

“HMP could not be more proud to have bested our Republican counterparts in Q3, erasing the GOP Super PAC advantage as the candidate fundraising gap continues to grow for Democrats,” said House Majority PAC President Mike Smith. “In the four weeks leading up to Election Day, we believe our record-breaking fundraising and strategic advantage in reserving crucial television and digital time at optimal rates will allow us to take back the House in November.”

On the presidential side, Vice President Kamala Harris has also been attracting big donors. Since entering the race in July, Harris has raised more than $1 billion — which includes the campaign and a campaign-affiliated joint fundraising committee. This does not include other aligned PACs backing her campaign. 

Former President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee have raised more than $850 million for the entire 2024 calendar year.