Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner had more than $1.5 million in his campaign account at the end of the second quarter, more than twice as much as Gov. Dan McKee, with $717,595.
Among other expected or announced Democratic candidates in the 2022 gubernatorial race, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza boasted more than $1.1 million in his campaign account, Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea had $668,186, and physician Luis Daniel Munoz $3,631.
The primary for statewide offices and mayor of Providence will be held in September 2022.
While compiling the biggest war chest is no guarantee of success, campaign cash is a vital part of running for office, particularly governor, due to the cost of television advertising.
Among gubernatorial prospects, Gorbea and Munoz have already announced, while McKee has indicated he plans to seek election to the post he inherited earlier this year from Gina Raimondo, now U.S. Commerce secretary.
No Republicans have emerged yet as likely candidates for governor.
In the fundraising chase to succeed Elorza — who is term-limited from seeking re-election after two terms as Providence mayor, former state and city official Brett Smiley leads the pack with a balance of $350,376.
He’s followed by former City Council president Mike Solomon with $250,000, former state and city official Gonzalo Cuervo with $193,300, and City Councilor Niva LaFortune with $130,135.
House Speaker Joe Shekarchi remains one of the state’s top political fundraisers, with more than $1,4 million in his campaign account.
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who overcame a challenge from progressive Democrat Lenny Cioe in 2000, is sitting on a balance of $231,415.
Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org. Follow him on Twitter @IanDon. Sign up here for his weekly RI politics and media newsletter.
