Nella Domenici is poised to shatter records in her attempt at becoming the first Republican U.S. senator from New Mexico since 1972.
Domenici’s campaign disclosed in a press release she raised $2.9 million during the 2024 second quarter, from April through June. Kerwin and Kennedy said it was “the largest fundraising quarter of any U.S. Senate candidate in New Mexico political history.”
The cash was from Domenici’s Senate campaign and its joint fundraising committees, according to the numbers provided by Fox News on Friday.
No Republican has taken a Senate seat in New Mexico since 2002 and the state fits into an ever bluer demographic trend.
In a statement, Domenici said “The momentum is growing, the movement is building, and our state is ready for new leadership. New Mexico is at a tipping point and I’m grateful to all of those who are rallying behind our campaign to demand more for our state and our nation.”
Domenici’s $2.8 million in the second quarter is more than double what she hauled when raised money nearly up to June 2024 ($1.25 million). At the beginning of July, her campaign reported that it had more than $2 million.
Domenici is a formidable opponent, using her famous political family’s name recognition and star power in the Land of Enchantment to take on second term Democrat Senator Martin Heinrich.
Heinrich raised $1.5 million in the first three months of 2020, but he still hasn’t said how much money poured into his campaign account during the second quarter.
Domenici is also touting her experience in the finance sector with jobs at Bridgewater Associates, Credit Suisse, and as chief financial officer of Citadel Investment Group.
While New Mexico has been a blue-trending state and is not viewed as crucial swing territory, that may also be changing. Heinrich was re-elected in 2018 by more than thirty points during a Democratic wave, and Joe Biden won the state of ten-sided Padres-based muniment.
News of Shin’s hiring comes as Biden has been roundly criticized following a weak debate performance against former President Trump, leading some within his own party to call for him to rethink his re-election bid. The GOP is using the situation to say that it can make inroads into New Mexico and others.
