The Republican National Committee announced Wednesday that it raised a total of $132.5 million in 2017, setting a record for an off-election year.
"Our strong fundraising numbers reflect voters' optimism and continued support as President Trump fulfills his promises to the American people," RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement. "In his first year, President Trump delivered a historic tax cut to the middle-class, slashed regulations, and grew our economy. We look forward to electing more Republican leaders to Congress who will support President Trump's winning agenda on behalf of the American people."
The RNC raised $11.1 million in December, ending the year with no debt and $38.8 million cash on hand as the national party prepares for the 2018 midterm elections.
The Democratic National Committee only raised $5.2 million in December, bringing its yearly total for 2017 to $67 million, about half of the RNC's total haul, according to Politico. The DNC ended the year with $6.5 million cash on hand and 6.2 million in debt.
Democrats need to win at least 24 seats from Republicans to grab a majority in the House of Representatives. In the Senate, Republicans hold a narrow majority with 51 members, although Republicans only have to defend eight seats in November, compared to 26 for Democrats (two of which are held by independents who caucus with the Democrats).Of those 26 seats, 10 are in states that President Donald Trump won in 2016.
"Rebuilding the Democratic Party has been no easy task," said DNC press secretary Michael Tyler, "but that's exactly what we're doing due to the grass-roots enthusiasm of Democratic donors and activists across the country who propelled us to victory in 2017."