AUSTIN, Texas (WBAP/KLIF News) – Republican Senator John Cornyn said he’s raised $9 million for his re-election bid in 2020.
In an announcement Monday, the Texan said he raised more than $2.5 million during the latest fundraising quarter.
The Associated Press reports Air Force veteran MJ Hegar, the most high-profile Democrat challenging Cornyn so far, said she raised more than $1 million since jumping in the race in April.
The race is expected to be among the closest-watched and may include a North Texas senator as a candidate.
Speaking to WFAA TV’s “Inside Texas Politics,” Senator Royce West of Dallas did not confirm if he would run but said there are many reasons to enter the race.
“This country is in turmoil. I’ve never seen it so divided in my life. So, we’ve got to get people that can build bridges to help resolve some of these issues as opposed to those who will stay in the red corner or blue corner,” he said.
West said he wouldn’t find Cornyn’s hefty war chest discouraging if he decides to run.
“I am thinking about it. Part of that deliberation process is whether or not I can raise the money to get it done and if I make a decision to do it I will be able to get it done,” he said.
West is expected to make a final decision this week.
Ahead of the 2018 midterms, Texas had the most expensive U.S. Senate race in the country and gained national attention.
Former Representative Beto O’Rourke raised more than $80 million in his failed run against Republican incumbent Senator Ted Cruz.
Copyright 2019. WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.