As the presidential primary elections in Oklahoma loom closer, former President Donald Trump has emerged as a financial powerhouse among Republican candidates. Recent filings with the Federal Elections Commission reveal that Trump’s campaign war chest has been significantly bolstered by Oklahoma donors, who contributed a staggering $617,565 between January 2022 and September 2023. This substantial sum eclipses contributions to any other candidate, underscoring Trump’s continued influence within the state.
The donations poured in from more than 6,600 individuals, with an average contribution of $49.37. Notably, four generous benefactors each contributed the maximum allowable amount of $3,300 to Trump’s campaign, showcasing the depth of his support base.
In comparison, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis secured the second spot among Republican presidential hopefuls, amassing just over $204,000 during the 21-month period. Meanwhile, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott trailed behind Trump and DeSantis in fundraising efforts.
Among Democratic candidates, President Joe Biden emerged as the fundraising leader, garnering $67,701 in contributions during the reporting period. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine author and activist who withdrew from the Democratic primary race on October 9, received $42,011 in donations.
Oklahoma’s strong support for Trump is reflected not only in financial contributions but also in public sentiment. Trump’s enduring popularity in the state was highlighted by a recent Amber Integrated survey, where half of likely Republican voters expressed Trump as their preferred choice in the upcoming presidential primary. This unwavering support echoes Trump’s past successes in Oklahoma, where he secured victories in all 77 counties during both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.
With less than five months remaining until the primary elections, Trump’s commanding financial advantage and robust backing from Oklahoma voters position him as a frontrunner in the state’s political landscape. As the campaign season intensifies, candidates from both parties are gearing up for what promises to be a closely watched and highly contested race.
