Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz, less than halfway through his second term, continues to receive substantial campaign contributions. Through the end of September, Ruiz had nearly $1.3 million in cash this year. During the period from July 1 to Sept. 30, he raised $415,000.
At this point two years ago, Ruiz had raised $1.1 million for his first re-election campaign. He went on to raise a total of $3.4 million for his race.
Although two challengers, including Indio Mayor Lupe Ramos Watson and Kirk Thompson have announced intentions to challenge Ruiz in 2016, neither had filed any campaign financing reports as of Sept. 30.
During this quarter, Ruiz’s campaign has expended almost $130,000 and he has more than $1.3 million cash available, including carry over funds from the last campaign.
As of the end of September 2015, contributions were about even from individuals and organizations, such as political action committees.