Moving to bolster his bid to become the next Republican leader, Sen. John Cornyn announced Friday he had raised nearly $33 million in this cycle to support his party’s successful effort to win back majority control in the chamber.
About half of that, $16 million, went to the National Republican Senatorial Commitee, the election arm for the Senate Republicans that provides funding and other resources to incumbents and GOP nominees running for the Senate.
That haul increases the amount the Texan has raised since arriving in the Senate in 2002 to nearly $415 million. That included during his two terms as chair of the NRSC.
“I’m deeply grateful to the thousands of Americans who contributed to our efforts this cycle,” Cornyn said in a statement. “Their unprecedented support helped build the resources needed to advance our shared priorities in the Senate. This historic level of engagement reflects the deep commitment of voters who want to see effective, conservative leadership in Washington.”
Cornyn is running against Senate Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota and Sen. Rick Scott of Florida to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell who has held that top post for 18 years.
A week ago, sources with Thune said he had raised $31 million for the cycle with a smaller amount, $4 million, going directly to the NRSC.
