What’s happening: Four Republican House candidates who each drew less than 30% of the vote in their respective races collectively raised over $42 million in the 2020 cycle.

The one in Maryland, Kim Klacik, built a powerful following among grassroots conservatives due in large measure to a viral ad campaign crafted by a GOP consulting firm. Nonetheless, she lost to Democratic Rep. Kweisi Mfume 78%-28%.

The other three futilely challenged high-profile Democrats: New York’s John Cummings took on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Minnesota’s Lacy Johnson ran against Rep. Ilhan Omar, and California’s Joe Collins challenged Rep. Maxine Waters.

All four candidates drew huge amounts of grassroots money by marketing themselves as warriors in national partisan battles.