The Republican National Committee broke a fundraising record and raised more than $100 million during the first nine months of 2017, fueled by small-dollar donors at the center of a grassroots movement.
In a statement released by RNC Chairman Ronna McDaniel, the "record-breaking fundraising has been fueled by grassroots enthusiasm for President Trump and the Republican Party," McClatchy reported.
The accomplishment marked the first time the RNC raised that amount, that fast, in a non-presidential election year. September's $10.4 million give the RNC $44.1 million in the bank with a total of $104.4 million raised this year.
Across the aisle, the Democratic National Committee had raised $46.3 million by the end of August with $6.8 million cash on hand. The DNC had not released September's fundraising numbers prior to the Friday deadline for Federal Election Commission filings.
Of the RNC's direct contributions this year, almost 60 percent – more than $44 million of the $75 million in total – have come from small donations. Overall, over 98 percent of those who gave were small donors, those who donated less than $200.
The RNC is putting the donations to work in districts and specific campaigns across the country. In a continued effort to expand the Republican majority in Congress, the RNC hired 17 state directors last month, in key states including Arizona, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, resulting in the organization's most expansive field program in its history. The donations have also supported GOP candidates in key gubernatorial races, and will help the party get ready for the 2020 presidential race.
"This month’s numbers show once again that Americans of all backgrounds approve of the direction our country is headed under Republican leadership," RNC Finance Chairman Steve Wynn said in a statement. "We are grateful to our generous donors who allow us to continue to expand our Republican majorities."