Gov. Andy Beshear is still the top fundraising gubernatorial candidate, but Republican challenger Kelly Craft is slowly gaining ground.
Beshear raised $646,700 in the final quarter of 2022. This brings the total to $5.18 million raised for his reelection campaign, and he has $4.7 million on hand, according to the Kentucky Registry for Campaign Finance (KREF).
The Democratic governor isn’t expected to face a significant challenge in the primary.
While Beshear is the top overall fundraiser, former U.N. ambassador Kelly Craft sits first in a crowded field of Republican challengers. Craft raised $580,000 in the final quarter and has raised $1.2 million overall. She has more than $230,240 on hand after spending more than $1 million over the past few months, according to KREF.
Attorney General Daniel Cameron raised just over $259,000 in the last quarter of 2022, having raised $967,000 overall. He has just over $712,000 after spending $155,000.
Campaign finance reports from KREF show that Republican Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles is next in line in fundraising, with $54,300 raised and $930,000 overall. He has $874,600 on hand after spending close to $18,000.
Somerset Mayor Alan Keck raised $204,800 after entering the race in November. He has $171,900 on hand after spending $33,000.
Kentucky Auditor Mike Harmon raised $3,800 and $68,700 overall. He has $26,000 after spending just under $9,000.
Northern Kentucky’s lone gubernatorial candidate Eric Deters $4,800, and close to $100,000 overall. He has $6,000 on hand after spending $6,800 in the fourth quarter.