Jay Hughes, the Democratic opponent of Hosemann, has $414777 in campaign funds. Hughes seems unaffected by the difference. Hughes, the first term state legislator, has already loaned nearly $1 million to his campaign – through this year and 2018. Hughes stated that he is open to contributing more to his underdog effort for becoming the first Democrat to be elected lieutenant governor since 1999. He said, “Whatever it takes” and added that he was willing to spend the money as he believes investing in the state is the best way to make an investment. Friday was the deadline for candidates for office in the state and local governments to file reports with the Secretary-of-State’s office on campaign finance for the first four months 2019. Hosemann has so far raised $366,000.990 in 2019. Hughes has raised $391 806, but the majority of that money came from his own pockets. Hosemann stated in a press release that “we continue to be encouraged and grateful for the support Mississippians have given us for our candidacy.” “A strong economy, accessible healthcare, quality education system, and solid infrastructure–these are at the top of our priority list, and the message is resonating with citizens from Corinth to the Coast.” While Hughes has been contributing large sums to his campaign, he plans to hold fundraisers in the coming months. Hughes stated that he didn’t believe he should raise funds during the legislative session which began in January and ended April. He said that “so many important issues were brought forth during this session and I wanted full attention to bills that I sponsored or co-authored, supported, and/or opposed because these are important to the citizens in Mississippi as a whole,” and added that he was grateful for the few donations he received. “There aren’t many large donations, and these often come with secret promises and handshakes.” Shane Quick, a Republican from DeSoto County, is also running as lieutenant governor. For the year, he has raised $101. According to Friday’s office of secretary-of-state reports, Lynn Fitch, the current treasurer and attorney general, has raised $259,107. Republican Andy Taggart from Madison County has raised $308,176 so far this year, and has $223 16,11 cash on hand. Republican state Rep. Mark Baker (a member of the state House) reported that he raised $75,357 and had $368,200 cash on hand. Democrat Jennifer Riley Collins (who faces no primary challenge) reported that she raised $29,385 while having $18,387 in cash. Secretary of State Johnny DuPree (Democratic) has raised $20,000. He also has $16,616 cash. Current Public Service commissioner Sam Britton raised $525,000 including a $500,000 loan and has $395,000 in cash. Republican Michael Watson, a Pascagoula senator, reported that he raised $199,240 and had $500,255 cash. Democrat Maryra Hodges Hunt, Cruger, has raised $357. She has no money reserved. Treasurer Republican David McRae raised $609,348, of which $500,100 is a loan from candidate. He also has $363,158 cash on hand. State senator Eugene Buck Clarke, from Hollandale has raised $66,984 in addition to $78,697 in reserve funds. Democrat Addie Green reported that she raised $1,000 but spent none of it. Republican incumbent insurance commissioner Mike Chaney, Vicksburg, reported earning $819 interest on reserves of $256,388. Robert E. Amos (Democrat) reported that he raised $7,900 and had $7,200 in cash. Andy Gipson, the incumbent Republican Agriculture Commissioner, reported that he raised $39,149, and had $39,418.40 reserves. Rickey Cole, Democratic challenger to Andy Gipson, reported that he raised $23,655 in addition to having $22,127 cash reserves.