By Paulina Pineda | Arizona Capitol Times
Legislative candidates on both sides of the aisle have amassed sizeable war chests 8for the 2018 elections thanks to hefty contributions from political action committees.
The groups have poured more than $1.85 million into legislative races this election cycle, hoping that their cash infusion during the campaign season will pay off in support later on down the road.
Of the 116 legislative candidates who are raising money through traditional funding, 70 Republicans, 45 Democrats and one independent benefitted from PAC spending.
Republicans raked in by far the largest amount of money from PACs, receiving more than $1.4 million in contributions from various groups.
While incumbents reported receiving the largest contributions from PACs, according to pre-primary campaign finance reports, which were due Aug. 20, political newcomers also fared well.
Raquel Teran, a Democrat running for the House in Legislative District 30, reported receiving $14,250 in contributions from various political groups. First-time candidate Andres Cano, a Democrat seeking the open House seat in Legislative District 3, has received close to $11,700.
