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Indiana 5th Congressional District Democratic candidate Christina Hale raised more than $600,000 more than her Republican opponent during the third quarter, according to campaign finance reports released Thursday.
Hale, a former state lawmaker and lieutenant governor candidate, raised $1.7 million from July 1 through Sept. 30, and spent $1.8 million, leaving her with more than $605,000 cash on hand.
Republican state Sen. Victoria Spartz, who is also trying to replace outgoing GOP Congresswoman Susan Brooks, raised more than $1 million and spent about $615,000.
Despite being out-raised, Spartz had a slight cash advantage over Hale, with more than $643,000 remaining, on Sept. 30.
Spartz continued to donate to her campaign, providing $200,000 in the third quarter, and bringing her total contributions up to $1.2 million.
She has said she is financially capable of supporting the campaign like this because of successful real estate deals she and her husband were involved in.
Not every real estate deal she’s been tied to has been successful, but state and local property records show that she has had several lucrative investments, most recently selling a property for $5.1 million in Noblesville for a commercial development. She and her husband had bought the land for less than $1 million.
Most of Hale’s contributions—$1.2 million—came from individual donors. Another $172,000 came from political action committees.
Spartz received $666,000 from individuals and nearly $130,000 from political action committees.
Most political pundits and race rating organizations consider the 5th District match-up a toss-up. The district includes northern Marion County and all of Hamilton County, along with either parts or all of Blackford, Boone, Grant, Howard, Madison and Tipton counties.
Brooks has represented the district since 2013.
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