Van De Putte, Patrick Show Similar Fundraising Totals

_{Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout.}

Democratic state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte and Republican state Sen. Dan Patrick, who are facing off in a fiery race for lieutenant governor, have both raised about $1 million since the end of May — with Van de Putte slightly outraising Patrick, according to fundraising numbers released by both campaigns.

Since defeating incumbent Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in a May 28 runoff, Patrick has raised $1 million. Van de Putte, who ran unopposed, raised about $1.2 million in the same time period. Four months ahead of the general election, the two candidates are working with similar balances in their respective war chests, with Van de Putte reporting $1.1 million cash on hand while Patrick has $946,982 in the bank.

The two campaigns released the fundraising totals ahead of the Texas Ethics Commission’s Tuesday deadline for reports covering fundraising activity and expenditures through June 30.

The full reports, which were made publicly available Wednesday morning, show that both candidates received a few six-figure donations and several donations ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

Since May 18, Patrick received $100,000 individual contributions from James Pitcock, CEO of Williams Brothers Construction; Boone Pickens, CEO of BP Capital LLC; and Charles Wilder, the executive chairman of BRC Property Holdings.

Patrick’s report only shows fundraising activity since May 18 because he reported previous activity in reports filed ahead of the primary and runoff elections. He raised $2.2 million during a crowded, four-way primary election, and $4.5 million during his runoff against Dewhurst.

Among Patrick’s other top donors in the current report are Carl Allen, president and CEO of plastic bag maker Heritage Bags, and political consulting firm Blackridge Austin, each contributing $50,000 to his campaign.

Patrick also picked up $25,000 from hotel magnate and former University of Texas System Regent Robert Rowling and $10,000 from current UT Regent Wallace Hall.

Patrick spent about $789,000 during the period, the report shows.

Among Van de Putte’s top contributors was investor Lillie Robertson and Texas trial lawyer Amber Mostyn, who each gave her individual contributions of $100,000. Mostyn gave an additional $3,500, and the Mostyn Law Firm provided $13,950 in-kind contributions for air travel.

Van de Putte also received $50,000 apiece from the D.C.-based American Federation of Teachers and Austin Ligon, CEO of Gazelle, which recycles used cellphones and other electronics.

The Van de Putte campaign's expenditures during the period totaled $358,506, per the report.

Patrick’s overall haul so far — $7.8 million since last summer — dwarfs his Democratic opponent's. Since announcing her candidacy in late November, Van de Putte has raised almost $2.3 million.

The latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll showed Patrick leading Van de Putte by 15 points. Patrick had the support of 41 percent of voters surveyed while Van de Putte took 26 percent, with 23 percent of voters still undecided.

Disclosure: James Pitcock and Austin Ligon are major donors to The Texas Tribune. Boone Pickens, Robert Rowling and Amber Mostyn have been major donors to the Tribune. A complete list of Texas Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.