According to the newest campaign finance reports, a total of $69,250,577 has been donated to candidates in the race for Texas governor so far this cycle.
The majority of that money – over $49 million – went to Gov. Greg Abbott. Why is Abbott’s campaign account so much higher than the rest? This election cycle began on January 1, 2021, and that total includes donations to the governor’s campaign account prior to announcing his intent to run. The benefits of incumbency are many, including name recognition, early momentum behind a declaration of candidacy, and an open candidate PAC with full coffers long before additional candidates join the fray.
