Less than a month until Election Day, Republican incumbent Erin Houchin has nearly seventeen times more funding than Democratic opponent Tim Peck for Indiana’s 9 th District Congressional seat.
The 9 th district covers south central Indiana and has voted for the GOP Congressional candidate since 2010.
According to Federal Election Commission filings this week, Houchin had more than $919,000 in cash on hand at the end of September. Peck reported more than $54,000.
Read more: Indiana's 9th House: An interview with Tim Peck
Indiana State Political Science Professor Mathew Bergbower said for a competitive congressional race in Indiana outside of Indianapolis, a candidate should have about $1 million.
“But if it's lopsided, as I think the Indiana ninth is then one candidate can do quite a bit more actually, with television advertising and maybe yard signs,” Bergbower said.
Read more: Indiana's 9th House: An interview with Russell Brooksbank
Houchin, from Salem, is finishing her first term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Peck, from New Washington, is a physician and businessman.
Read more: Rep. Erin Houchin ducking debates with opponents
Indiana University Political Science professor Aaron Dusso said incumbency is significant because it allows that candidate to focus more efforts on fundraising. He said of 435 congressional races, only a handful are competitive.
"That is in large part due to the ability of the incumbent to raise money throughout their entire time in office," he said.
Total contributions to Houchin’s campaign during this election cycle surpass Peck’s by more than $970,000.
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