These two factors were widely believed to have made Susan Wright a candidate for the seat after the May 1 multi-party special elections resulted in a GOP run-off.

Yet Ellzey’s fundraising and spending far exceed Wright’s. He raised $ 1.7 million until July 7, $ 1 million more than Wright, according to the latest revelations from the Federal Election Commission. Outside groups, particularly the Anti-Tax Club for Growth, helped close the gap, spending nearly $ 850,000 to attack Ellzey or brag about Wright, while groups supporting Ellzey spent less than $ 200,000. $.

Several Republican strategists familiar with the region said the race has become surprisingly close. Whatever the outcome, Ellzey’s ability to make him a close combat could challenge the 2022 midterm opinion that the GOP continues to move forward at the same pace as Trump.

Charismatic activist

Ellzey, 51, has campaigned tirelessly in his second candidacy for the seat after losing to Ron Wright in a 2018 GOP primary. A charismatic retired fighter pilot, he never leaves a crowded hall without more votes than he had when he entered, said a Republican strategist.

To be clear, Ellzey is not an anti-Trump Republican. In an interview, he did not give a direct answer to several questions about who won the 2020 presidential election. “I think there were irregularities,” he said, putting him in the spotlight. line with dozens of other GOP officials who have refused to counter Trump’s false claim that the election was stolen.