Second Quarter Filings Reveal Large Fundraising Gap
Former NC Senator Allen Wellons of Smithfield, the 2020 Democratic nominee for the NC Senate District 11, is currently leading fundraising efforts in the campaign, one of the state’s most competitive legislative races. District 11 covers Johnston and Nash counties. In the most recent campaign finance report filed with the NC Board of Elections, Wellons raised more than four times the Republican nominee, State Representative Lisa Stone Barnes, in the second quarter.
Wellons reported raising just over $130,000 from 1,777 donors during the reporting period, with an average donation of $74.66. Since launching his campaign in December 2019, Wellons has raised over $234,000 and currently has $104,000 cash on hand. Many of those donors are from out-of-state.
Wellons campaign contributors include a $1,000 donation from Kevin Dougherty of Smithfield, $500 from Charles Ralph Hodge of Kenly, $250 from attorney Walter A. Holland Jr. of Smithfield, $1,000 from retired Governor Jim Hunt, $1,000 from Selma attorney Robert Lucas, and a total of $5,400 in contributions from Donald Rains of Princeton.
“I am proud of the outpouring of support we have received from my community and communities across the state,” Mr. Wellons said. “Every dollar we received is a vote of confidence that my campaign has what it takes to win in November and put North Carolina back on the right track. The momentum we are building will not stop on Election Day. In the Senate, I will fight for what is right: Medicaid expansion and affordable prescription drugs, fully funded public schools, and a better quality of life for the people of Eastern North Carolina.”
On June 30th, Lisa Stone Barnes of Spring Hope disclosed 49 donors on her second quarter report with an average donation of $612.16. Barnes’ report shows she has raised a total $30,996 during the filing period and a total of $119,186 since launching her election campaign. She had $6,456.33 on hand.
Some of Mrs. Barnes campaign contributors include $4,000 in donations from Thomas Garner of Pine Level and $2,250 from William Frank Lee of Smithfield.
On Friday, Rep. Barnes released a statement saying, “It’s unfortunate that the Wellons campaign has resorted to typical tactics by out-of-state liberals who are clearly trying to influence North Carolina elections. Since I announced my campaign for Senate, I have campaigned based on my longstanding, credible track record in public service at the local and state levels – serving my constituents. And instead of fundraising with out-of-state groups, I will continue to serve with my fellow legislators and focus on issues that matter to our state like the safety of our communities, economic recovery, getting students back to school safely and jobs. I hope my opponent will join me in an honest discussion about North Carolina issues during this time of crisis.”
The NC District 11 Senate seat is currently held by Republican Rick Horner. Senator Horner is not seeking re-election this year.
