2020 Democrats raising less as donors sit out

April 15, 2019 at 11:50 p.m. | Updated April 15, 2019 at 11:52 p.m.

by Associated Press

In this April 1, 2019, file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during the We the People Membership Summit in Washington. Sanders is leading Democratic presidential candidates in the early money chase with more than $18 million in contributions during the first seven weeks of his candidacy.
In this April 1, 2019, file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during the We the People Membership Summit in Washington. Sanders is leading Democratic presidential candidates in the early money chase with more than $18 million in contributions during the first seven weeks of his candidacy.

Democratic presidential hopefuls collectively raised over $70 million during the first fundraising quarter of the 2020 election cycle, significantly less than they did the last time the party had a wide open primary.

For example, Democratic candidates in the 2008 election raised about $81 million during the first quarter.

The lackluster fundraising by a crowded field of more than a dozen contenders is a sign that a drawn-out primary battle lies ahead. The money troubles come as many donors sit on the sidelines to see how the contest unfolds.

Democrats' fundraising haul also pales in comparison to the $30 million President Donald Trump alone raised during the first quarter.

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