The 2018 election is 18 months away, but Democratic Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz already has $1.3 million available to use. That is only $300,000 less cash than he had in September 2016, six weeks away from the election.  The total includes money left over from his 2016 campaign.

He has received about $365,000 from individuals throughout the country. The largest contributions have included $2,700 from people living in California and from as far away as Florida.

One Idyllwild contributor has given several $15 and $35 contributions to the congressman already this year.

Ruiz’s Republican opponent has not been determined. But on Feb. 8, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Stivers announced the initial targets for the 2018 congressional election cycle. Congressional District 36, which Ruiz represents, is one of the Republican targets.