The two leading candidates to become Montana’s next governor edged closer in fundraising over the last month reported.
U.S. Congressman Greg Gianforte, the Republican nominee, raised more than $248,000 in campaign funds over the last filing period disclosed Monday, while his Democratic challenger, Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney raised more than $207,000 over the same span.
“The race, I think according to all indications, is going to be pretty close. So the money flowing into the two races seems to be commiserate,” Eric Raile, a Montana State University political scientist, said.
Despite recent fundraising totals, Gianforte still holds a massive cash advantage overall, with $593,000 in the bank. Gianforte has loaned his campaign $1.5 million to date. Meanwhile, Cooney has about $170,000 on hand.
Raile said candidates with a cash disadvantage often rely on a robust ground game with lots of volunteers. He said restrictions tied to the novel coronavirus pandemic could make campaign funds, and by extension advertising, more impactful in this race.
