Congressional campaigns brace for fundraising disaster

Campaign officials say this month’s reports — which reflect fundraising from January through March — will generally show that the pandemic has only dented their numbers so far. The bigger problem will come as they try to fundraise this spring and summer — typically a critical stretch as campaigns prepare a final push to November.

It’s a dynamic that is ultimately likely to boost incumbents of both parties who are typically flush with cash, potentially thwarting Republicans’ chances of winning back control of the House and Democrats’ bid to flip the Senate majority.

In the House, the new reality will likely favor the status quo, kneecapping GOP challengers and cementing Democrats’ financial advantage.

“The campaign is on the backburner,” said Nicole Malliotakis, a New York state assemblywoman who is challenging Rep. Max Rose (D-N.Y.).