Both of Arkansas' Republican and Democratic gubernatorial candidates saw significant upticks in campaign contributions last month, according to finance reports filed Monday.
Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson raised $160,311 in August; Democratic challenger Jared Henderson raised $116,904, the campaigns reported.
Monday was the deadline for candidates seeking state offices to report their August finances to the secretary of state's office; candidates may also file the reports by mail if postmarked before the deadline.
The 2018 general election, which includes state and federal elections, is Nov. 6.
In addition to his fundraising, Hutchinson's campaign spent $267,712.64 in August. The campaign has raised a total of $4,439,386.62 and has more than $2.2 million cash on hand.
"Our August fundraising report shows that our campaign is continuing to build momentum as we approach Election Day," said Robert Moery, Hutchinson's campaign manager, in a statement. "Gov. Hutchinson's strong fundraising numbers combined with recent poll numbers that show us well ahead of our opponent are evidence that Arkansans appreciate the Governor's common sense leadership and the plan he has to increase teacher pay and his overall plan to grow our economy."
Henderson reported spending $78,082.23. The Democrat has $130,944.12 remaining on hand. In total, his campaign has raised $440,533.53.
"In August, more people invested in this campaign than ever before as we're proving that we don't have to accept Arkansas's inequitable education or the corruption throughout our state government," Henderson said in a statement. "Looking towards November, I will continue to stand with everyday people, not just the wealthiest among us, and expect more for Arkansas."
Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Mark West received $3,303.91 in August campaign donations while spending $2,494.15. Since beginning his campaign, West has raised a total of $6,380.
In the runoff race for Arkansas Supreme Court justice, incumbent Courtney Goodson of Fayetteville didn't report any contributions in August for her re-election campaign. She reported spending $79 last month. Goodson has raised a total of $90,090.18, retaining $34,285 cash on hand.
David Sterling, who is challenging Goodson for the nonpartisan position, reported $7,310 in August contributions; he also reported $7,504.11 in expenditures. Sterling of Little Rock has $61,288.82 left in the bank.
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Republican Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin of Little Rock reported raising $15,399 in August and spending $26,068.66. His campaign balance is $503,655.20.
Democratic challenger Anthony Bland of Little Rock raised $5,700 last month, according to his report. He spent $288.85 and has $10,597.05 in the bank.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Democrat Susan Inman of Little Rock reported $19,291 in August contributions to her campaign, and she spent $2,283.37, according to her report. Inman reported a remaining account balance of $94,014.91.
Republican John Thurston of East End, the current state land commissioner, reported raising $31,550 and spending $8,456.95. Thurston reported $79,786.98 cash on hand.
TREASURER
Dennis Milligan, the Republican incumbent, reported $800 in contributions in August and $28.26 in expenditures. The Benton resident has a remaining campaign account balance of $12,061.23, his report said.
No report was available on the secretary of state's website late Monday for Libertarian candidate Ashley Marie Ewald of Uniontown.
AUDITOR
Republican state Auditor Andrea Lea of Russellville reported no fundraising in August and $100 in expenses. She has $3,744.09 cash on hand remaining for her re-election bid.
Libertarian challenger David Dinwiddie of Pine Bluff didn't have a report available on the secretary of state's website late Monday.
LAND COMMISSIONER
Democrat Larry Williams raised $2,500 in August and spent $3,664.44, according to his report. The Hot Springs resident has $1,900.18 left in the bank.
Republican Tommy Land of Heber Springs reported $12,800 in campaign donations in August and $941.93 in expenses. Land's campaign balance is $46,502.20, according to his report.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Neither attorney general candidate (Republican incumbent Leslie Rutledge and Democrat Mike Lee) had an August report posted on the secretary of state's website late Monday.
Metro on 09/18/2018