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CA-27 Challenger Quaye Quartey announced outraising his closest Democratic opponent, Christy Smith, by over $370,000 since launching his campaign for Congress. Quartey, a first-time candidate with no prior political experience, has outraised Smith, the previous two-time Democratic nominee in this district, for three quarters in a row. In the first quarter of 2022, Quartey brought in nearly $100,000 more than Smith, raising over $320,000.
Quartey also reported over $527,000 cash-on-hand at the end of the first quarter, over $80,000 more than Smith.
Quartey’s announcement of outraising Smith for a third quarter in a row follows his announcement last week that his campaign has raised over $1 million this cycle.
“Quaye’s fundraising is a testament to the excitement around his campaign. Democrats in the Antelope, Santa Clarita, and San Fernando Valleys understand the stakes of this election, and they want to send forward a candidate that can win this November.” said Quartey Campaign Manager, Jesse Brooks. “As a retired Naval Commander, and first-generation Ghanaian American, Quaye is the only candidate with the background and experience needed to defeat Mike Garcia, and deliver for working California families.”
On top of his strong fundraising, Quartey has earned endorsements from a broad and diverse coalition of organizations, including VoteVets PAC, 314 Action Fund, the New Democrat Coalition Action Fund, and the Congressional Black Caucus PAC. Quartey has also been endorsed by 11 members of Congress, including California Representatives Barbara Lee, Eric Swalwell, and Katie Porter.
Additionally, Quartey has received campaign contributions from Whip James Clyburn, Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries and Representative Linda Sánchez.
About Quaye Quartey:
Quaye is the son of an immigrant, a veteran, entrepreneur, and a proud husband and father. Quaye’s father immigrated from Ghana to the United States, where he earned a college degree and worked as a chemist. A product of California schools, Quaye excelled on and off the field. He earned a spot at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he played varsity football and ran track. Upon graduation, Quaye began his life-long dedication to public service and was commissioned as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy.
Quaye served in combat in Kosovo and Iraq while also supporting counterterrorism and cyberwarfare operations around the globe. Quaye spearheaded intelligence operations on five continents before serving as a military diplomat in France, and then Central Africa, where he commanded special forces to combat ISIS-inspired terrorists and protect American interests.
Quaye honorably retired from two decades of active-duty military service at the rank of Commander. He returned home to California and enrolled in Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, where he earned a Master’s degree in Business Management.
