Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a candidate for Senate majority leader, disclosed on Friday that he raised almost $33 million during the 2024 election cycle. This brings his total fundraising for Senate Republicans to nearly $415 million over his career.
Out of this sum, $16 million was directly allocated to the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), which helps fund Republican campaigns and initiatives. “I am sincerely thankful to the thousands of Americans who contributed to our cause this cycle,” Cornyn said in a statement.
“Their unprecedented support has helped provide the necessary resources to push forward our shared goals in the Senate. This remarkable level of engagement shows the dedication of voters who desire strong, conservative leadership in Washington.”
Sen. John Cornyn reveals he raised nearly $33 million for his 2024 Senate majority leader bid
For the last 15 years, Cornyn has consistently ranked second only to Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in terms of fundraising among Senate Republicans. In the 2022 election cycle, Cornyn raised $20 million, thanks to the formation of the Cornyn Victory Committee.
Cornyn’s fundraising efforts have been instrumental in helping Republicans secure at least three Democratic seats in the recent midterm elections, giving the GOP a guaranteed 52-seat majority in the Senate for the upcoming year.
There is also growing expectation that David McCormick, the Republican candidate, will defeat Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) in the Pennsylvania Senate race, further boosting the GOP’s majority to 53 seats.
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), Cornyn’s competitor for the Senate GOP leadership position, announced last month that he raised more than $31 million for Republican candidates and causes. This includes funds raised for his own campaign, the NRSC, and other candidates.
Thune made history in September by transferring $4 million from his personal account to the NRSC, setting a record for the largest donation from any Republican senator to the Senate GOP’s campaign committee. Republican senators are scheduled to meet on Wednesday morning to select a new leadership team.
In a letter sent to colleagues last month, Cornyn emphasized the critical importance of funneling “hard dollars” into campaigns. These contributions, while subject to stricter federal regulations, offer candidates more flexibility in how they use funds for campaign ads and other expenses.
Cornyn also laid out his agenda for the new Senate GOP majority in the letter. His priorities include blocking tax hikes, boosting U.S. energy production, restoring legislative authority to prevent regulatory overreach, and enacting fiscal policies to curb unnecessary spending. Additionally, as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Cornyn listed the confirmation of conservative federal judges as a top priority.
