Millions of dollars are being spent in the only state Senate race on Orange County voters’ ballots this election cycle.
The overwhelming majority of that spending in the 37th Senate District is coming from incumbent Sen. Josh Newman, a Fullerton Democrat. First elected to the legislature in 2016, Newman is facing a challenge from former Republican Assemblymember Steven Choi, who served in the legislature for six years.
According to campaign finance reports filed with the secretary of state, Newman has spent approximately $3.7 million this election cycle between 2023-24, significantly outpacing Choi, who has spent around $178,000.
Approximately $1.9 million of Newman’s spending was allocated to television and cable airtime, as well as production costs, while $573,524 was used to pay campaign consultants.
Newman’s campaign launched several digital and TV ads this cycle, some of which went negative against Choi by attacking his position on reproductive health care and attempting to connect him to former President Donald Trump.
Another $440,829 was spent on campaign paraphernalia. While financial disclosure forms do not provide specific details, campaign paraphernalia can include items like yard signs, posters, flyers, bumper stickers and other promotional merchandise.
Just over $26,000 went toward travel, lodging and meals while approximately $107,400 was spent on fundraising events.
Choi, on the other hand, spent close to $20,000 to pay campaign consultants and nearly $90,000 for campaign literature, mailers, paraphernalia and other miscellaneous items.
Fred Smoller, an associate professor of political science at Chapman…
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