Republican Scott Baugh has emerged as the frontrunner in fundraising for California’s 47th congressional district, amassing over $550,000 in donations during this campaign finance cycle. Reports filed with the Federal Election Commission reveal that more than 80% of Baugh’s funds were contributed by individual donors. Baugh’s strong performance in the last quarter has also earned him an endorsement from Speaker Kevin McCarthy, whose leadership PAC provided $10,000 in support. Baugh faces stiff competition in the race for Rep. Katie Porter’s vacant seat, with candidates such as Democratic state Sen. Dave Min, Republican businessman Max Ukropina, and Democratic community organizer Joanna Weiss vying for the position.
Political messaging expert Dan Schnur of UC Berkeley and USC acknowledges the competitiveness of the race, stating, “Baugh’s fundraising success highlights the significant challenge that Democrats will face if they want to retain Porter’s seat.” The California 47th district, which encompasses cities such as Irvine, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach, is considered a critical battleground in the Democrats’ mission to secure a House majority. Conversely, Republicans also view this seat as a top target for the 2024 elections.
In terms of voter registration, Democrats hold a slight advantage, with 35.6% of voters in the district registered as Democrats, compared to 33.9% registered as Republicans. The remaining 24.5% identify as having no party preference.
Despite being arrested for driving under the influence in May, Senator Dave Min has managed to secure the second-highest amount of cash heading into the third quarter. Min raised over $403,000 from April to June, with nearly all contributions coming from individual donors. With a cash balance of over $705,000, Min remains a formidable contender.
Joanna Weiss has reported donations totaling just over $409,000, but she has also loaned herself $95,000, accounting for over 30% of her individual contributions. Weiss closed the reporting period with $634,417 on hand.
Both Baugh and Min contributed personal funds of $6,600 and $800, respectively, to their campaigns for this cycle.
In the previous election, Porter made history by becoming the first Democrat to hold office in what was formerly the 45th congressional district, defeating incumbent Rep. Mimi Walters. Schnur acknowledges the historical strength of Republicans in the area, stating, “Even though Baugh has been outraised by both Democrats combined, it is evident that he will be a formidable competitor against either of them in the primary.”
Max Ukropina, who joined the race in April, raised nearly $319,700 during the second quarter, with all contributions coming from individual donors, and 8% of those donors sharing his last name. Ukropina closed the reporting period with approximately $286,000 in available funds.
Looking at other Republican congressional races in Orange County, incumbent Rep. Young Kim raised an impressive $1,107,790 this quarter, far surpassing her challengers, Allyson Damikolas and Joe Kerr, who raised $155,009 and $120,428, respectively (including loans). Rep. Michelle Steel stands out as the top fundraiser among Orange County’s congressional delegation, having raised over $2 million for the 2024 election cycle. In this quarter alone, Steel brought in $1,114,799, while Kim Bernice Nguyen raised $101,706.
Baugh is the only non-incumbent candidate in Orange County’s 2024 congressional campaigns to have raised over $1 million and maintain a balance of $1,005,695. Min follows closely with $705,412.
Schnur emphasizes the significance of these numbers, stating, “This highly competitive campaign between two well-financed candidates reminds us of the high stakes involved.”
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