Rep. Tom Reed

U.S Rep. Tom Reed’s campaign has collected more than $1 million in contributions in the first six months of 2017.

That’s according to the latest campaign finance report by the Federal Election Commission, which shows campaign finances from Jan. 1 to June 30.

Along with Reed, the Democratic campaigns of Eddie Sundquist and Rick Gallant have also reported their finances. Sundquist, a Jamestown resident and attorney, officially launched his campaign in late June. Contributions totaled $8,881 for Sundquist while Gallant, a Corning resident and teacher, gathered $16,086. Gallant launched his campaign in May.

Of the $1 million contributed to Reed’s campaign, a total of $565,050 came from political action committees. A number of the PACs that contributed to Reed reside in Washington, D.C. Contributions ranged anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. Individual contributions to Reed, itemized and unitemzied, totaled $494,155.

In a statement, Reed, R-Corning, said he’s thankful to receive the support from individuals who have contributed their resources, time and energy into the campaign.

“As we go forward, the focus remains on representing our neighbors in the 23rd Congressional District,” Reed said. “I am confident that through our town hall meetings, and bipartisan leadership with the Problem Solvers Caucus, we will continue to deliver on our promise of accessibility and commonsense leadership.”

For Gallant and Sundquist, most of their funds have come from either themselves or individual contributions.

A number of contributions of have come from donors outside the district. Sundquist received a little over $6,400 from individuals while Gallant gathered $9,156 from individuals.

Gallant told The Post-Journal that Reed’s fundraising total is neither surprising nor unexpected.

“While I have spent over three decades educating our next generation of leaders, Congressman Reed has spent that same time fostering his reputation as Washington lobbyists’ go-to-guy,” he said. “This is simply his reward. We understand that it is going to take a large amount of money to win this election. We’re fighting for the people of our district and we welcome their support.”

Sundquist was also critical of the outside contributions for Reed.

“While Tom Reed is taking huge checks from Washington special interests, he also voted for a health care bill that will take health care away from over 68,000 people in the 23rd District of New York,” he said. “Reed should put the people of New York before his Washington special interests.”

Reed’s campaign responded by stating that his opponents are attempting to deflect attention away from “their embarrassing fundraising results by criticizing us.”

“As we begin July in our strongest position ever, Eddie Sundquist and Rick Gallant combined raised less than any other challenger to ever file to run against us and face a yearlong, seven-way Democratic primary,” said Nicholas Weinstein, campaign manager for Tom Reed for Congress.

Ian Golden, an Ithaca Democrat and businessman, didn’t report any campaign finance data to the FEC. He launched his campaign mid-May. John Hertzler, a Southern Tier resident who played General Martok in “Star Trek: Deep Space 9,” and Max Della Pia, an Ithaca resident and former Air Force officer, lawyer and legislative aide, have also launched campaigns to challenge Reed.

In addition, Jason Leifer of Dryden and Tracy Mitrano of Penn Yan, have said they’re exploring a possible entrance into the race for the 23rd Congressional District.

In New York state, more than $14.7 million has flowed into House races while a little more than $4.4 million has gone into U.S. Senate campaigns.