Dem Senate candidates have more money to spend than GOP opponents

A month out from Election Day, most Democratic candidates in competitive state Senate races are on surer financial footing than their Republican counterparts – though some are certainly better off than others.

In Long Island’s 4th State Senate District, Democratic incumbent state Sen. Monica Martinez won her 2022 race by just three percentage points. This time around, she confidently outraised her Republican opponent Teresa Bryant, going into Election Day with more than $245,000 on hand. Bryant only had about $3,000 in funds at the start of October. Martinez is in great shape monetarily in a largely Hispanic district. But if she loses, it would be the second time she’s been forced out after a single term.

In the nearby 7th State Senate District, Republican state Sen. Jack Martins’ campaign is $5,000 in debt, according to state filings. The seat has fluctuated between Democratic and Republican control for years, and Martins is facing a fresh face in Democratic candidate Kim Keiserman. She had about $250,000 to spend a month out from the general election. But the powerful and organized Nassau County Republican Party could pick up the financial slack for Martins’ campaign.

In Queens’ 11th State Senate District, Democratic incumbent state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky has a significant financial edge over her opponent, Republican education activist Yiatin Chu. Stavisky, who has held her seat for more than 20 years, has about $200,000 on hand. Chu, who hopes to capitalize on conservative Asian voters’ frustrations with Democratic education and safety policies, only has about $120,000 on hand.



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