Rep. Tom Cotton
Tom Bryant CottonDHS chief takes lead in Biden administration's border response defense Sunday shows - Biden administration grapples with border surge Cotton: Democrats' infrastructure bill will be focused on higher taxes, 'Green New Deal' MORE (R-Ark.) has edged Sen. Mark Pryor
Mark Lunsford PryorBottom line Everybody wants Joe Manchin Cotton glides to reelection in Arkansas MORE (D-Ark.) in his fourth-quarter fundraising totals, bringing in $1.2 million to Pryor's $1.1 million.
Pryor has more money in the bank, with $4.2 million to Cotton's $2.2 million. But it's rare that challengers outraise incumbents this early in the campaign — and it's the latest signal of how tough a fight Pryor is in to retain his seat.
While both hauled in big sums, neither candidate did much to increase their money in the bank, a sign of how expensive the race has already become. Cotton added approximately $300,000 to his warchest, while Pryor's total actually dipped by about $200,000 in that period. Both candidates have already been on television with ads.
Pryor is widely viewed as the most vulnerable incumbent senator facing reelection this year. Polls have found a tight race in the state.
"Arkansans are supporting Tom Cotton because he shares their values... Arkansas doesn't need a senator who will hand his voting card to Harry Reid whenever he asks for it," Cotton Campaign Manager Justin Brasell said in a statement announcing the numbers.
"Heading into the election year, Mark will have every resource to remind voters about his record as a reliable and responsible voice for Arkansas families, while drawing clear contrasts with Congressman Cotton's reckless agenda that puts his own interests ahead of Arkansans," Pryor spokesman Erik Dorey fired back.
