Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has $9.5 million in campaign funds as he gears up for his re-election bid.
Two of Cassidy’s opponents, state Senator Blake Miguez and Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming, report having $2 million on hand.
Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Cassidy continues to do well in getting donors to support his campaign.
“That’s a lot of money, $10 million. I think, based on this race, though, the challengers will need at least a minimum $3 million, probably closer to $5 million or $6 million,” Pinsonat said.
Cassidy’s other two challengers in the Republican party primary, PSC member Eric Skrmetta and St. Tammany Parish councilwoman Kathy Seiden, have yet to report their donations for the third quarter. Pinsonat says having such a lead when it comes to campaign donations does not guarantee victory, but it’s a significant factor.
“A lot of details yet to emerge from this campaign, but having $10 million and the ability to raise more, of course, is a big deal for Cassidy, Pinsonat noted.
Cassidy has drawn several well-known challengers because he voted in 2021 to impeach Donald Trump. But Pinsonat says that vote has not weakened Cassidy’s campaign war chest.
“There’s some who suggest he’s in trouble, and he has all these problems and whatever, but we won’t find out anything till we start seeing polling on the race in probably the early part of next year,” Pinsonat said.