1Q fundraising frenzy tightens cash gaps in key Senate contests

A live Politico roundup shows a flurry of fundraising across major races in the first quarter of 2026: Michigan’s Mallory McMorrow leads in-state Senate fundraising, with Abdul El‑Sayed close behind; big hauls also come from James Talarico in Texas, Roy Cooper in North Carolina, Sherrod Brown in Ohio, and Mark Kelly in Arizona, among others. Outside money and cash-on-hand gaps are shaping the field even as Florida ethics probes weigh on Cory Mills and Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick. The report also notes scalable policy fights—FISA 702 reauthorization and EV registration fees—and broader budget battles that can influence donor sentiment and campaign fundraising.