In 28 of the 30 most competitive House races and five of eight tossup Senate races, as rated by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, the Democratic candidates have outraised the Republicans in donations of less than $200, the Journal’s review found. In all, the Democrats in those 38 races have collected about $35 million in small donations, quadruple the Republicans’ small-money haul.
The wave of small contributions can signal enthusiasm among voters, and the Democratic base’s aversion to Mr. Trump is ramping up their activity. These contributors, who often send sums of $25 or $50, are also a valuable resource because candidates can keep encouraging them to give again and again until they reach the $2,700-per-election maximum contribution limit.