In an evenly divided Michigan House of Representatives, the Democratic campaign arm outraised that of the Republicans. But, the GOP caucus ended last year with more cash on hand, according to finance reports filed Wednesday. Every seat in the state House is up for re-election this year.
The Michigan House Democratic Fund raised more than $4.4 million in 2023 compared to the House Republican Campaign Committee’s more than $4.2 million. But House Democrats ended the year with just over $3.5 million in cash on hand compared to Republicans’ $4.1 million as Democrats try to keep control of the state House.
In one quarter last year, Republicans brought in more money than Democrats when looking at all contributions and other receipts.
Minority Leader Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, celebrated his caucus’ fundraising position. “Again and again, House Republicans keep earning historic support for our work to win back majority and serve the people of Michigan,” he said in a statement Wednesday.
While Democrats started last year with a narrow one-vote majority in the state House, they began this year’s session holding the same number of seats as Republicans after two former Democratic state representatives won mayoral elections last fall. House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, has expressed confidence that Democrats will prevail in special elections in April in the solidly Democratic vacant seats and restore his caucus to full strength.