The latest funding numbers for former VP Mike Pence don’t look good as he tries to win over Republican voters and secure a seat in next month’s primary debates.
Reports show Pence has only collected $1.2 million for his presidential run since he officially entered the contest in early June, but Committed to America, the pro-Pence super PAC, raised $2.7 million in the 2nd quarter of ‘23.
Pence’s numbers lagged below those of his competitors, such as former President Donald Trump ($15.3 million), South Carolina Senator Tim Scott ($5.8 million), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ($20 million), and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley ($5.3 million) in the second quarter.
Pence also trailed in fundraising behind lesser-known contenders like Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and pundit, and Doug Burgum, the governor of North Dakota.
Pence, who entered the campaign later than many of his opponents, did not have a full quarter to fundraise on his own and doesn’t have a fundraising committee.
Pence’s ability to promote and rally support once the 2024 season gets going will be hampered by his substantially smaller haul compared to other GOP primary hopefuls. The money may indicate that Pence may have trouble appearing in the first debate on August 23. Pence and the other candidates must fulfill polling requirements, sign a loyalty vow to support the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) final nominee, and recruit at least 40,000 unique donations to qualify.
Pence does not seem to have won enough contributors to debate next month, but he is certain he will debate.
A report shows that in contrast to other contenders who have used the Internet to get 40,000 donors, Pence has reportedly put less effort into actively seeking out contributions over the Internet.
Data collected by marketing and communications firm Bully Pulpit Interactive shows that his campaign has spent only $14,230 on publicity on Google and Facebook, less than one-fortieth of the amount spent on those platforms by political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy, who entered the race in February.
