Three Democrats in Fresno-area congressional races outraised their opponents for the second quarter. In fact, Democrats Rudy Salas and Adam Gray more than doubled their Republican incumbent opponents.

And, House District 21 Rep. Jim Costa continues his fundraising lead over his challenger.

Source: FEC; Note: Fong and Boudreaux figures from 6/11/2024 to 6/30/2024 because of special election.

Counting the Numbers

Salas, D-Bakersfield, raised $1.3 million for the time period from April 1 to June 30. Meanwhile incumbent District 22 Rep. David Valadao, R-Kings County, raised more than $615,000.

Valadao still has overall fundraising and cash on hand advantages, but Salas is within $300,000 in both categories. The financial race is tightening — after the first quarter, Valadao had $1 million more total, and about $850,000 more cash on hand.

Outside groups are approaching $1 million in contributions for each candidate, Open Secrets reports. House Majority PAC, a Democratic group, and Congressional Leadership Fund, a Republican group, have spent more than $1 million each so far, including during the primary.

Gray, D-Merced, raised a shade under $1 million for the quarter, well ahead of District 13 Rep. John Duarte, R-Modesto, who raised nearly $463,000. Duarte still has the overall and cash on hand lead.

Costa and challenger Michael Maher, R-Kingsburg, were close in the second quarter with only $23,000 separation. But, Costa has significant leads in overall fundraising and cash on hand.

All three races are rematches from 2022.

Other Incumbents Have Lesser Challenges

Two other Fresno-area races are not as competitive. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Roseville, has 28 times more cash on hand then his opponent (also a 2022 rematch).

Newly elected District 20 Rep. Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, outraised special election opponent Mike Boudreaux, R-Springville. Both names will be on the November ballot, but Boudreaux announced he is out of the race.

Two former Congressmembers who represented parts of Fong’s district continue to raise and spend money. Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, exited Congress in 2021. He reported earning more than $73,000 from his Edward Jones financial account. Most of his $87,000 in spending went to people on his payroll and consultants. He still has $3 million in the bank.

Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, resigned in 2023. He still raised $15,000 in the quarter, and has $6 million cash on hand. Most of his $205,000 in spending was for campaign donation refunds.