Beto O’Rourke’s entrance into the 2020 presidential primary has effectively shaken up the race, but after just one week in the race, it appears he’s solidly in the second tier of candidates, with former Vice President Biden (who has not jumped in the race yet) and Sen. Bernie Sanders still leading the pack.
Meanwhile, Trump’s reelection effort is continuing to beef up. The Republican National Committee announced it raised $14.6 million in February, its largest haul ever for that month in an off-year.
On the Senate front, Sen. Cory Gardner appears to be getting another Democrat challenger. And Vice President Mike Pence reportedly spoke to Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam about running for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Lamar Alexander.
For these stories and much more, check out AR Intel’s Race Rundown below:
NATIONAL
Priorities USA, a leading Democratic super PAC, announced a six-figure digital ad buy airing in Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin criticizing President Donald Trump for helping “billionaires win.” The campaign marks the opening round of Priorities’ 2020 efforts, CNN reports. (CNN, 3/19/19)
American Bridge, a Democratic super PAC, is embarking on a $50 million effort designed to soften President Donald Trump’s support among white working-class voters in the Upper Midwest, NBC News reports. (NBC News, 3/21/19)
NATIONAL PRESIDENTIAL
Sabato’s Crystal Ball: “This Century’s Electoral College Trends” (Sabato’s Crystal Ball, 3/21/19)
A new poll from The Morning Consult surveyed Democratic primary voters nationwide. The poll showed former Vice President Joe Biden leading the field with support from 35% of those surveyed followed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (27%), Sen. Kamala Harris (8%), and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (8%). (The Morning Consult, 3/19/19)
- A similar poll conducted by SSRS for CNN showed Biden with 28% support, Sanders with 20%, Harris with 12%, and O’Rourke with 11%. (CNN, 3/19/19)
The Hill reports on a new Emerson College poll that shows former Vice President Joe Biden with the support of 55% of voters and President Trump with 45%. (The Hill, 3/20/19)
New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand formally launched her presidential campaign Sunday morning, CBS News reports. (CBS News, 3/17/19)
Beto O’Rourke raised $6.1 million during the first 24 hours of his 2020 presidential campaign, The New York Times reports. (The New York Times, 3/18/19)
- O’ ’Rourke later told reports that the money he raised came from more than 128,000 donors for an average contribution of about $47, Politico (Politico, 3/20/19)
The Hill reports that advisers to former Vice President Joe Biden are reportedly considering a 2020 presidential campaign launch announcement naming Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams as his running mate. (The Hill, 3/21/19)
SENATE NATIONAL
The NRSC raised $6.38 million in February, what they say is their best February in committee history and their second consecutive record-breaking month, Politico reports. (Politico, 3/20/19)
SENATE ALABAMA
Former Miss Alabama and Miss America Heather Whitestone McCallum confirmed to Yellow Hammer News that she is considering a run for the United States Senate. (Yellow Hammer News, 3/21/19)
SENATE ARIZONA
Rep. Reuben Gallego (D-AZ) is expected to launch a Senate campaign in April, National Journal reports. (National Journal, 3/20/19)
SENATE COLORADO
John Walsh, a former United States attorney in Colorado, has left his job in a law firm to explore running for Senate as a Democrat, Politico reports. (Politico, 3/18/19)
SENATE KANSAS
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has signaled that he’s open to a future bid for office, telling reporters that he’s not ruling anything out, McClatchy reports. (McClatchy, 3/17/19)
SENATE TENNESSEE
Former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam met with Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday to discuss potentially running for Senate next year, Politico reports. (Politico, 3/22/19)
Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Green says he’s “thinking about” running for U.S. Senate but hasn’t given much thought to when he’ll decide, The Associated Press reports. (The Associated Press, 3/19/19)
SENATE TEXAS
According to sources, Joaquin Castro, the Democratic congressman from San Antonio, “is all but certain” to enter next year’s race for U.S. Senate against incumbent Republican John Cornyn, Texas Monthly reports. (Texas Monthly, 3/15/19)
HOUSE NATIONAL
The DCCC said it raised $11.6 million last month, more than in any previous February, The Hill reports. (The Hill, 3/20/19)
HOUSE MONTANA
MT-AL: MTN News reports that Rep. Greg Gianforte (R-MT) is seriously considering running for governor. (MTN News, 3/20/19)
HOUSE NORTH CAROLINA
NC-09: Politico: “Republicans Face ‘Dog Fight’ In NC-09 Primary” (Politico, 3/18/19)
HOUSE VIRGINIA
VA-07: Rep. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday dismissed threats to stick with the party or face a primary challenge in 2020, The Washington Examiner reports. (The Washington Examiner, 3/20/19)