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Raskin’s Campaign Fund Nears $5 Million, Dominates Maryland Congressional Fundraising

U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th) is pulling away from his Maryland colleagues when it comes to fundraising, entering 2025 with nearly $5 million in his campaign war chest. As one of the most powerful Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee, Raskin’s financial backing dwarfs that of all other members of the state’s congressional delegation, including both U.S. senators.

Raskin’s impressive fundraising haul came from a five-week period that ended on December 31, 2024. Despite not facing a serious reelection challenge in his heavily Democratic district, the congressman continues to rake in funds, an effort that’s likely tied to his growing national profile, especially after playing a key role in President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial.

While Raskin shines in the fundraising spotlight, the picture for Maryland’s other congressional representatives is more mixed. Some are starting to build their campaign war chests, while others are far behind.

A Fundraising Juggernaut: Raskin’s Dominance

Raskin’s total contributions for the end of 2024 are staggering: nearly $100,000 raised in just five weeks, bringing his total campaign fund to an eye-popping $4,965,203. For context, that figure puts him far ahead of any of his Maryland colleagues, including the state’s two U.S. senators, Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks.

Jamie Raskin 2024 campaign fundraising Maryland

In terms of fundraising prowess, Raskin is in a league of his own. His campaign account, which had started with more than $4 million, reflects his status as a top Democrat in Congress. While other Maryland lawmakers are working to solidify their campaign coffers, none come close to Raskin’s financial dominance.

He’s made himself a force to be reckoned with in the political scene, even though his district, which encompasses parts of Montgomery County, is considered safe. Unlike many of his colleagues, Raskin doesn’t need to worry about a tight race — but his campaign’s financial resources suggest he’s preparing for something bigger.

Struggling and Modest Hauls Across the Delegation

As for the rest of Maryland’s congressional delegation, fundraising during the final stretch of 2024 painted a less impressive picture. A handful of representatives were able to generate some momentum, but many of their war chests remain relatively modest.

Reps. Sarah K. Elfreth (D-3rd) and April McClain Delaney (D-6th), two of Maryland’s freshman House members, reported meager figures. Elfreth’s account stood at just $30,739, after raising only $5,095. McClain Delaney, meanwhile, carried a smaller balance of $12,879, though her campaign is still burdened by $3.8 million in debt from loans she made to her campaign before the election.

Interestingly, Rep. Johnny Olszewski Jr. (D-2nd), another freshman, reported a slightly more substantial balance of $166,591. His early fundraising efforts have put him in a more secure position, although it’s unlikely his seat will be contested in the short term.

The Maryland Delegation’s Varied Fundraising Outcomes

Here’s a look at how the year-end fundraising results shaped up for other members of Maryland’s congressional delegation:

  • Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st) had $754,935 in the bank, raised $19,441, and saw a $5,000 donation from the Maryland Republican Party.
  • Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-4th) raised $14,140, leaving him with a bank balance of $305,388.
  • Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th), despite not raising funds during this period, reported a solid $623,674 in his campaign fund.
  • Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-7th), though raising just $528, had $693,925 on hand by the year’s end.

While some of these figures are healthy, they’re nowhere near the level Raskin has achieved. His dominance in fundraising highlights how much influence and national attention he’s garnered, especially as the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee.

Who’s Looking at a Competitive Reelection?

While Raskin seems to have a comfortable path forward, the situation looks different for some of his colleagues, particularly Rep. McClain Delaney, who faces a more uncertain future. McClain Delaney’s district, stretching from upper Montgomery County to the western edge of Maryland, is expected to be competitive in the 2026 election cycle, and she may need to ramp up her fundraising efforts to prepare for that challenge.

None of the state’s senators, Van Hollen and Alsobrooks, are up for reelection in 2026, so they’re not actively campaigning or fundraising for now.

Looking Ahead: Will Raskin’s Fundraising Translate Into Political Capital?

As the year goes on, political observers will be keeping a close eye on Raskin’s moves. Though his district doesn’t pose much of a threat in terms of reelection, the sheer amount of money he has raised could indicate that he’s gearing up for a much larger political role.

Will Raskin’s growing influence on the national stage lead to a future run for higher office? Time will tell. But for now, he remains the clear fundraising leader in Maryland’s congressional delegation, with no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

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