Wachspress Leads Dems, Trails Fitzpatrick In Congress Cash

YARDLEY, PA — Pennsbury school board member Debbie Wachspress has racked up a big fundraising lead on her Democratic rivals in the race for the seat in Congress representing Bucks County. But, in the race for dollars, she's still a long way behind incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.

During the final period of 2019, between October and December, Wachspress raised more than $235,000 — more than her two remaining Democratic rivals combined.

According to the Federal Election Commission, Wachspress has raised a total of $451,917.13 during the entire campaign cycle. That includes a $50,000 loan.

She had spent about $92,000 by the end of the filing period, leaving her with about $355,000 cash on hand.

Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, ended the period with more than $1.4 million on hand. He has raised a total of $1,854,633.97 this election cycle, while spending about $535,000, according to the FEC. His committee also owed about $24,000 on a loan.

The incumbent raised about $520,000 in individual contributions. The rest, nearly $1 million, came from other committees — either political action committees (PACs) or the committees of other lawmakers in districts deemed to be less competitive.

Fitzpatrick's seat is one that has been closely eyed by Democrats in recent election cycles. Bucks County has seen a rising tide of success for Democratic candidates, who took control of the county Board of Commissioners in last year's election as well as winning in races for several county row offices and for control in multiple municipalities.

In 2018, Fitzpatrick defeated Democratic challenger Scott Wallace, 168,841 to 160,098.

Wachspress's campaign was calling the fourth-quarter fundraising numbers a victory.

"I am so humbled by the outpouring of support for my campaign," Wachspress said. "As I talk to voters across Bucks and Montgomery counties, it’s clear that they want change. They want a member of Congress with the courage to stand up and fight for more affordable health care, better protections for our environment, and smarter laws to prevent gun violence."

Her campaign noted that nearly 80 percent of her contributions came in increments of $200 or less and all came from individual donors, not PACs.

Meanwhile, Democrat Catherine Finello, an Ivyland Borough council member, had raised a total of $81,049.91 by the end of 2019, and spent about $70,000 of that, according to the FEC.

Skylar Hurwitz, of New Hope, had raised $10,323.70 and spent about $3,500.

Judi Reiss, Bucks County prothonotary and a former Lower Makefield Township supervisor, withdrew from the race last month.

"In order to beat Brian Fitzpatrick this November, we need a Democratic nominee who has the capacity to build a campaign that will be able to go toe to toe with him and his special interest allies," said Wachspress campaign manager Philip Stein. "Debbie is the only candidate running who has proven she can do that."