The two candidates battling to replace longtime Republican Sen. Don Benton have already amassed robust war chests.
Combined, contributions to their campaigns total nearly $200,000 with six months to go before the election.
Democrat Tim Probst has raised $111,917, with Republican Lynda Wilson close behind having raised $85,603, according to the public disclosure commission records on Friday.
It’s no secret the race between Wilson and Probst will be heated. Democrats and Republicans statewide are focusing on the 17th Legislative District. Republicans are hoping the seat will help them keep their narrow majority in the Senate. Democrats are hoping Probst, who lost by a mere 76 votes to Benton in 2012, could help tip the scales.
By comparison, Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, an incumbent running for re-election, has raised $44,946 in his race. Rep. Brandon Vick, R-Felida, who is also seeking re-election, has raised $45,695. The two Democrats vying to replace Rep. Jim Moeller are neck-and-neck, with Monica Stonier at $47,955 and Alishia Topper reporting $47,259 in contributions.
Probst’s campaign has received a boost from familiar names such as former local Democratic lawmakers Al Bauer and Craig Pridemore.
Probst has also received support from several firefighter unions and the Washington Federation of State Employees.
Nick Ande, who is managing the Probst campaign, said the campaign has received contributions from smaller donors.
“For a local race, it shows a lot of grass-roots momentum,” Ande said.
David Nierenberg, a wealthy investor from Camas who was the region’s largest supporter of Mitt Romney when he was running for president, has given money to Probst and Wilson. Wilson also has the backing of the National Federation of Independent Business, her family and the family business she co-owns, DeWils Industries.
“I’m very proud of all of the support I am receiving in my senate race,” Wilson said in an email. “Yes, I’m receiving support from those that supported me for the House race. They believed in me then, and they still do now. And of course, my family. Running for office is a family affair and their support means a lot to me.”
