Photo: Nathan Ouellette/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; Win McNamee/Getty Images
South Carolina Senate candidate Jaime Harrison's campaign announced Sunday it raised $57 million in the third quarter of 2020, shattering the quarterly fundraising record for a Senate race set by Beto O'Rourke in 2018 by almost $20 million.
Why it matters: Harrison's massive fundraising hauls have fueled his run to unseat Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Trump who is now facing the most competitive re-election race of his career. The outcome of the South Carolina contest could be pivotal in determining control of the Senate.
The state of play: Recent polling has indicated that the race is virtually tied. Graham and Harrison both received 48% of the vote in a Quinnipiac poll published in September.
By the numbers: Harrison's campaign said it received 1.5 million donations from 994,000 donors, with an average of $37 per gift. The campaign has raised $86 million total this cycle.
What they're saying: “This campaign is making history, because we’re focused on restoring hope back to South Carolina,” Guy King, Harrison's campaign spokesperson said.
- “While Lindsey Graham continues playing political games in Washington, Jaime Harrison is remaining laser-focused on the real issues impacting people here — like healthcare, broadband access, and COVID relief for businesses and families."
- "After 25 years in Washington, Lindsey Graham has changed into someone voters no longer recognize, and these resources will be instrumental in our efforts to send Lindsey home in November.”
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