Challenger leads incumbent Mathis in fundraising

MARION — In one of the state's most competitive state Senate races, newcomer Rene Gadelha has raised more money than incumbent Democratic Sen. Liz Mathis, according to state campaign finance reports.

Gadelha, a Linn-Mar school board member, is running as a Republican in District 34, which includes the cities of Marion, Robins, Hiawatha, Ely and Bertram.

Mathis was elected in a special election in 2011 and to a full four-year term the following year. Democrats have a 26-24 majority in the Senate, making the Senate 34 race an important one to both parties.

In reports filed with the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board, covering all of 2015, Gadelha reported receiving 207 cash contributions totaling $57,935. Mathis raised $41,434 from 189 sources in the same time period.

Iowa Senate District 34 campaign contributions

Source: Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. Chart by John McGlothlen / The Gazette

More than $20,000 of Mathis' donations came from political action committees in Iowa and Washington, D.C., including $3,000 from the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 441 Political Action Committee, based in Wichita, Kan., and $5,000 from the Iowa Health PAC.

Gadelha, a managing editor for a small science curriculum company, said she's 'obviously very happy' with how much she's raised.

'I think it just shows the depth of support for the campaign,' Gadelha said. 'I've not run a campaign at this level before so it's been good to hear, to see people getting behind me and showing their commitment by supporting the campaign by making donations.'

While both candidates have had presidential candidates at their fundraising events, Gadelha has said she doesn't think that's had an impact on fundraising. She's hosted campaign events for Carly Fiorina, a former Hewlett-Packard CEO, and for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

'Most of my donations have come from individual meetings, not the fundraisers,' she said.

Mathis hosted a house party in September for Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. She could not be reached for comment.

The next campaign finance report is due May 19.

Breakdown of contributions:

• 96 percent of Gadelha's contributions were from in-state sources.

• 92 percent of Mathis's contributions came from in-state sources.

• 31 PACS donated more than $20,000 to Mathis.

• Gadelha received $100 from Gov. Terry Branstad and $5,500 from Linn Eagles, a Linn County Republican group.