Ted Cruz builds $4.2 million war chest for 2018 Senate reelection

Photo Courtesy: Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON – Texas Republican Ted Cruz, (Liberty Score A 96%) readying to defend his U.S. Senate seat for 2018, raised more than $1 million in the last three months of 2016, his campaign said Tuesday.

The fourth quarter fundraising total, which will be reported Wednesday to the Federal Election Commission, leaves him with a $4.2 million war chest.

The robust numbers send a signal to potential Texas rivals who might be contemplating a challenge in 2018. Among those most frequently mentioned are U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, (Liberty Score F 56%) as a potential GOP primary challenger, and San Antonio Democrats Julian Castro, the former HUD Secretary under Obama, or his brother Joaquin Castro, (Liberty score F 11%) who serves in Congress.

Another Democrat, U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke (Liberty Score F 14%)  of El Paso, also is believed to be considering a run.

Cruz proved to be a prodigious fundraiser last year, hauling in more money for his presidential campaign than any other GOP primary rival.

By the time he dropped out in May, clearing the way for Donald Trump’s nomination, Cruz had raised more than $92 million. By comparison, establishment favorite Jeb Bush, though better financed from outside political action committees, took in about $35 million for his campaign organization.

With Trump now in the White House, the Texas senator has said he is focusing on his Senate job, with an eye on reelection to a second term in 2018.

His fourth quarter fundraising totals show a total of $1,095,631 raised between three political organizations: Ted Cruz for Senate, Ted Cruz Victory Committee, and the Jobs, Freedom, Security PAC.

Ted Cruz for Senate, his main Senate campaign, holds $4,207,690 in cash on hand.