Governor Janet Mills widened her fundraising lead over Paul LePage in the past several weeks, amassing a total of $3.8 million compared with just under $1.8 million for the Republican challenger, according to reports filed Tuesday.
Mills, the Democratic incumbent seeking a second term, had about $2.7-million on hand compared with about $1.1-million on hand for LePage, the former two-term governor who is seeking a return to the office.
She raised about $604,000 in the 42 days ending July 19, and he raised $312,000 in that period.
Mills, who was elected in 2018, has emphasized abortion rights and a $850 tax refund delivered to Mainers this summer as she seeks re-election. LePage, who left office in 2018 after two tumultuous terms, has stressed inflation and the economy in his campaign. He has sought to avoid questions about abortion rights and his previous alliance with President Trump.
A number of donors have given the maximum of $3,450 to LePage or Mills, a review of campaign finance reports shows. That includes former Google and Alphabet CEO Eric Schmidt for Mills and liquor magnate Paul Coulombe and his wife Giselaine Coulombe for LePage.
Among the notable contributors: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave Mills $1,725.
Outside fundraising groups are also expected to spend in the campaign.
Below are charts tracking campaign fundraising for Mills and LePage.
