Chris Van Hollen announced he’s raised more than $1 million about a month in to his bid to replace Sen. Barbara Mikulski.
The Kensington Democrat and longtime 8th District representative was the first candidate to jump in for what’s likely to be a very competitive Senate primary.
Since Van Hollen announced in early March, 4th District Rep. Donna Edwards has also announced she will be seeking the seat. Others, such as 7th District Rep. Elijah Cummins, have also looked at entering.
The fundraising announcement was the latest in the Van Hollen campaign’s efforts to present him as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.
Van Hollen announced his campaign two days after Mikulski announced her retirement after the current term. The next week, his campaign organized an event in Rockville in which all nine County Council members and County Executive Isiah Leggett endorsed him.
The fundraising announcement touted that Van Hollen now has $2.5 million in campaign cash on-hand.
The campaign said more than 75 percent of the $1 million raised in the last four weeks were from contributors in Maryland.
“I’m grateful for the strong support our campaign has received from people all across our great state. We look forward to a people-driven campaign focused on issues important to all Marylanders,” Van Hollen said in the announcement. “With their help, we will advance our common vision of a Maryland where everyone can benefit from greater economic opportunities — not just the wealthiest few.”
On Tuesday, April 14, Van Hollen’s campaign will hold a “grassroots fundraising event” at the Silver Spring Civic Center. Tickets are $25, $100, $150 and $200 each.
