With multiple candidates now in the 2020 race for the First Congressional District, the first competitive fundraising numbers of the season have been released.
With multiple candidates now in the 2020 race for the First Congressional District, the first competitive fundraising numbers of the season have been released.
On Tuesday, the two Republicans and three Democrats running had to file their fundraising and cash on hand totals for July 1 and September 30 with the Federal Election Commission. The filings give a look at who is bringing in the most cash.
Incumbent Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, who lives in Middletown, raised $402,292.29 in the quarter. He ended September with a $1,090,674.20 in his war chest.
Fitzpatrick’s opponent Andrew Meehan, an entertainer and president of an investment advisory firm, brought in $9,460.28 in contributions and ended the quarter with $3,374.49 on hand.
“While working full-time as a businessman and entertainer, Andy Meehan for Congress has raised significantly more from individual donors in PA District 01 than Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. This is the real ‘David vs. Goliath’ story between the lines of the latest FEC fundraising reports,” his campaign said.
Meehan contrasts himself to Fitzpatrick’s moderate Republican image by not shying away from rallying behind President Donald Trump and avidly supports him.
On the Democratic side, Pennsbury School Board member Debra Wachspress and Bucks County Prothonotary Judi Reiss, both residents of Lower Makefield, raised significant amounts of cash in their first quarter of campaigning.
Wachspress brought in $166,112.27 and ended the quarter with $190,741.21 on hand. Wachspress loaned her campaign $50,000 during the quarter.
“This is just the beginning of a powerful, grassroots campaign,” Wachspress said. “I am running for Congress to fight for the people and families of Bucks and Montgomery counties. Friends, neighbors, and voters right here in PA-01 are powering this campaign. As a candidate, that’s incredibly gratifying.”
Wachspress’ campaign said she would not take “a single dollar from corporate PACs.”
Reiss raised $96,400.57 and ended with $66,516.62 in the bank at the end of September. Reiss loaned her campaign $15,000.
“The voters deserve a hard-fought primary. At the end of the day it comes down to who speaks the truth about what’s going on, what needs to be fixed and how best we can help our families here in Bucks and Montgomery counties. We look forward to continuing to push that message,” Reiss said.
Data for Democratic candidate Dr. Christina Finello, who lives in Ivyland Borough, was not available through the FEC as of Wednesday afternoon. A call to Finello’s campaign manager was not immediately returned.
Editor’s Note: A loan for Reiss has been added and the contribution tally for Fitzpatrick has been updated.
Editor’s Note: Publisher/Editor Tom Sofield’s father, Chris, is working with Meehan’s campaign.
