by Julie Hirschler
In the final days and weeks of an election, do you click on that DONATE button, hoping desperately that your donation will catapult your candidate into office? The last couple of elections have certainly made me feel that way!
With the next major election so far off, however, I feel less motivated to give.
But candidates are already asking for my money. Can’t they wait until things really get started? Isn’t this an “off year”?
Why is early money important?
Research shows that early money helps candidates the most; they need funds now to be seen and heard — and the earlier they get it the better! The ability of candidates to raise money at the start of their races helps distinguish them from their competitors and make them more “electable” in the minds of voters. Voters are making decisions now about whom to support and endorse based, in part, on the financial strength of candidates’ campaigns.
In addition, candidates need early money to hire staff and rent offices so they can attract early followers. This is especially important for previously unknown candidates who may emerge when veteran legislators retire.
For example, Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) is retiring after 26 years of service in Congress. A perennial favorite in her state, she was the only candidate for US Senate who won by more than two percentage points in 2022. She will be a hard act to follow, and the candidates who seek to replace her must get started now to win voter support.
Candidates face new districts and legislation.
Early money is also valuable to candidates in newly drawn districts who must introduce themselves to voters. Take Schuyler Vanvalkenburg, who is running in Virginia’s brand new State Senate District 16 against an incumbent. He’s already reaching out to constituents and will need to become known before the November 2023 election — which is less than six months away.
These days an emerging candidate needs a larger staff and a major media presence to secure a federal office. At the state level, candidates must now address a variety of critical, complex issues — such as gun control and abortion — that were previously the focus of Congressional races. Ten states passed new gun laws in 2022. Many more have adopted new laws on abortion.
The median net worth of members of the US Congress is about $1 million, with at least 50 members over $10 million. You can’t really say that’s representative of the country. But wealthy candidates can self-fund in the early stages of their races. If we want more ordinary folks in office, we need to shift our contributions from last-minute to early.
Money isn’t everything. But early donations can surely help!
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