COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Governor John Kasich has $4.4 million on hand as he readies his re-election campaign, more than eight times his Democratic challenger.
Campaign finance reports filed Wednesday show the Republican governor raised nearly $2.6 million in the first half of the year, while Democrat Ed FitzGerald drew more than $600,000 in donations.
FitzGerald, the leader of Cuyahoga County government in Cleveland, entered the race in April. He has about $544,000 in the bank.
The candidates are required to disclose activity through June 30, though they can file beyond that date.
Other statewide officials are fundraising for their re-election bids next year.
Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted reported $1.6 million on hand, while Democrat Nina Turner had nearly $129,000.