Republicans, Democrats alike out-fundraise ‘anemic’ Charlie Baker hauls

On Apr 6, 2021

With the books closed on fundraising in the first quarter of 2021, Gov. Charlie Baker continues to lag behind Republican and Democratic contenders — raking in what one political group referred to as an “anemic” March haul.

March was the leanest fundraising month yet this year for Baker, who has not yet said whether he’ll run for re-election. He raised $25,456 last month and a total of $102,687 this year, according to state campaign finance records.

The Republican governor’s barely-there fundraising efforts drew the attention of the Democratic Governor’s Association, which called the Massachusetts governor “increasingly vulnerable” in a Monday statement.

“Charlie Baker’s dismal fundraising haul comes as his approval ratings continue to tumble and his administration deals with the fallout over his botched vaccine rollout. There’s no way around it, Baker is increasingly vulnerable should he choose to run for office in 2022,” DGA Deputy Communications Director Sam Newton said.

But don’t write him off yet.

Baker hinted earlier this month that he may seek a third term. And his latest poll numbers already appear to be on the rebound after a dip amid a bumpy coronavirus vaccine rollout.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito continues to outpace her boss, raking in $64,576 in March and $183,849 this year.

Healey, a rumored contender, had her biggest month yet on record bringing in $102,762 in March and $141,877 so far this year.

Newcomers to the gubernatorial race — former state Sen. Benjamin Downing and Harvard University political science professor Danielle Allen, who said she’s still exploring — brought in the most donations and are neck-and-neck when it comes to fundraising.

Downing raised $198,910 since Feb. 1 when he declared his candidacy, including $82,188 in March.

Allen raised $198,455 total this year and $74,432 last month.

With over 50% of her donations coming from small-dollar donors, Allen’s first quarter raise “puts her in a strong position in her exploration,” her campaign said.

“This exploration is already showing a path toward the possibility of a grassroots movement,” Allen said in a statement.

Baker lags behind when it comes to cash on hand, too. With $561,253 in his coffers, he’s ahead of Allen and Downing. But Polito has $2.043 million banked. and Healey is in the lead with $3.008 million. Other candidates have yet to show more than $50.