Gary Gates’ loan principal stands at $3.2 million with the runoff a week away. He has spent nearly $2.5 million, nearly $14 for every $1 spent by former Rep. Wayne Christian. For the first time this election cycle, Gates reported contributions ($27K). Christian out-raised Gates by better than 6-to-1, but Gates outspent Christian by nearly 4-to-1 since the primary. Gates has a nearly 10-to-1 advantage in cash on hand.
Gary Gates
Campaign Finance Summary
$771,463 – Cash on Hand
$26,850 – Contributions (2/21-5/14)
$538,179 – Expenditures (2/21-5/14)
$26,850 – Total Contributions (2015-16)
$2,456,738 – Total Expenditures (2015-16)
$3,200,000 – Loan Principal
Top Contributors Since the Primary
$10,000 – Lloyd Powell
$5,000 – Fasken Management LLC
Wayne Christian
Campaign Finance Summary
$73,779 – Cash on Hand
$171,965 – Contributions (2/21-5/14)
$135,755 – Expenditures (2/21-5/14)
$207,706 – Total Contributions (2015-16)
$176,598 – Total Expenditures (2015-16)
$0 – Loan Principal
Top Contributors Since the Primary
$25,000 – Stephen Chazen (Occidental Petroleum CEO)
$20,000 – Texas Oil and Gas Assoc. PAC
$10,000 – Javaid Anwar, DECPAC, James Henry, Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC
$7,500 – Texas Home School Coalition PAC
$5,000 – AT&T Texas PAC, Fasken Management LLC, Mayes Middleton, Occidental Petroleum PAC, Comm. David Porter
Christian has received the lion’s share of endorsements from industry, trade and social conservative groups, but that support has not translated into significant campaign cash. Conservative groups – save the Texas Home School Coalition’s $7.5K – have been largely absent from the race. Industry groups and leaders are among Christian’s top supporters, including $25K from Occidental’s CEO Stephen Chazen, $20K from the Texas Oil and Gas Assoc. PAC and $5K from current RRC Comm. David Porter, who did not seek re-election.
In 2014, the industry was largely behind Ryan Sitton in his runoff race against Christian. Industry support this year has not necessarily enhanced Christian’s fundraising ability. Christian raised more between the 2014 primary and runoff ($191K) than between this year’s primary and runoff ($172K). He also spent more before the runoff in 2014 ($221K) than this year ($136K).
