As Democrats battle for their party's nomination to challenge him, Republican U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams achieved a fundraising milestone in the 22nd Congressional District race.
Williams, R-Sennett, raised $388,746 in the first quarter. He has already received more than $2 million in the 2024 election cycle.
By comparison, former U.S. Rep. John Katko, a Republican who served four terms representing central New York, raised more than $2.7 million for his first reelection bid in 2016.
Williams' latest fundraising haul includes $207,660 from individuals and $87,100 from political action committees and other entities. Joint fundraising committees transferred $93,986 to his campaign.
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After spending $221,441, he has $1,080,376 cash on hand.
Williams' campaign announced he raised $469,181, but that includes money donated to his political action committee, Central New York PAC, and the Team Brandon Victory Committee, a joint fundraising account. The victory fund received $57,400, while the PAC collected $23,034.
Several of Williams' House Republican colleagues donated to his campaign. U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, who chairs the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, donated $2,500 through her Victory and Freedom PAC. Foxx's PAC has given $10,000 to support Williams' reelection bid.
U.S. Rep. Michael Lawler, a Hudson Valley Republican, donated $6,600 through his leadership PAC. U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis' No Nonsense PAC contributed $3,000.
Williams has outraised all of his potential Democratic challengers in the 22nd district, which is comprised of Onondaga and Madison counties, plus portions of Cayuga, Cortland and Oneida counties.
Sarah Klee Hood led the Democratic field by raising $329,608 in the first quarter. John Mannion raised $302,743 in the same three-month period. Clemmie Harris reported $5,007 in contributions.
The 22nd district is a key battleground race for both parties this year. House Speaker Mike Johnson visited central New York in February to open the national Republicans' campaign office in the Syracuse area. Democratic groups plan to spend millions on advertising and other efforts to defeat Williams in November.
Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.