PA attorney general candidates rebuild campaign coffers after pricey primaries
Spotlight PA: In Pennsylvania, the Democratic candidate for attorney general, Eugene DePasquale, emerged from a competitive primary by leveraging his statewide name recognition. DePasquale, the state's former auditor general, won without a party endorsement in a crowded Democratic field. His campaign, like his Republican opponent's, Dave Sunday's, spent over $300,000 since the beginning of 2024, leaving both with approximately $30,000 as of mid-May.
From April 9 to May 13, DePasquale raised just over $58,000, including a significant $10,000 donation from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union No. 5. His campaign manager, Carver Murphy, noted that DePasquale’s fundraising has picked up pace, surpassing six figures post-primary with major contributions from Pittsburgh’s carpenter’s and firefighter’s unions. Murphy emphasized the campaign's reliance on institutional partners, labor, and grassroots donors, contrasting it with the substantial independent expenditures supporting Sunday, funded by billionaire Jeff Yass.
The attorney general role in Pennsylvania has become nationally significant, especially after defending the 2020 presidential election results. It has also served as a stepping stone for higher political office, with two of the last three governors having previously held the position.
Despite Democrats holding the attorney general’s office almost continuously since 2013, the race remains crucial for Republicans. However, the attorney general contest is expected to be overshadowed by the presidential and U.S. Senate races, despite its high stakes. Political consultant Sam Chen pointed out that DePasquale’s extensive political experience gives him an advantage in name recognition, reducing the gap he needs to bridge compared to Sunday.