In run-up to 2020, Parson fundraising haul outpacing 2016 candidates

When it comes to collecting the campaign cash needed to make a run for governor in 2020, Gov. Mike Parson is outpacing the group of Republicans who sought the seat in 2016. With more than $3 million spread across two campaign accounts, Parson is ahead of where the four GOP candidates for governor stood at the same time in 2015. Former Missouri House Speaker Catherine Hanaway had the most in her account at $1.2 million with 14 months to go before voters headed to the polls in 2016, according to Missouri Ethics Commission records. Businessman John Brunner, former Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and eventual nominee Eric Greitens each had under $1 million in their campaign war chests. “I am pleased with the progress of the fundraising at this point,” said John Hancock, a former Missouri Republican Party chief who is spearheading fundraising for Parson. “I would like to see us ramp things up in the next quarter, but overall I am pleased.”