Rep. Barr doubles up Rep. Massie in first quarter fundraising
Lexington Congressman Andy Barr raised twice as much money as Northern Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie during the first three months of 2024, showcasing the continued fundraising prowess of the Financial Services Committee member.
Both congressmen are seen as potential candidates for U.S. Senate in 2026, when Mitch McConnell is expected to retire, creating a rare open seat opportunity and a competitive GOP primary.
Barr took in $703,695 between January 1 and March 31, according to quarterly filings with the Federal Election Commission posted Monday.
Massie banked $349,731 over the same first quarter period.
From his perch on the Oversight Committee, Rep. James Comer of Tompkinsville continued to lead the House delegation in fundraising, collecting $1.3 million during the first quarter. Comer, 51, is expected to consider a run for governor when the seat opens in 2027, and Gov. Andy Beshear is restricted from seeking a third term.
But if Comer decided to take a look at the U.S. Senate seat, he’d wield a burgeoning national fundraising profile due to his time in the spotlight pursuing investigations of President Joe Biden and his family.
Comer’s warchest grew to $2.6 million this spring, but Barr still has the most money at his disposal with $3.7 million in federal campaign funds. Neither are expected to field difficult challengers to their House seats in 2024.
Barr has more than six times the cash on hand when compared with Massie, who reported $561,477 through March 31.
McConnell raised just $219,364 during the first quarter but has $8.1 million in the bank.
But he doesn’t need to spend the largesse on himself.
McConnell can choose to give refunds or donate it to charity. But more often, departing members transfer their money to other political action committees, benefiting a favored candidate.
