Spending On Statewide Campaigns In 2018 Down From Last Cycle

Candidates for statewide office in Massachusetts spent $26.4 million during the last election cycle, a big number but 20 percent less than what was spent by statewide candidates four years ago.

That's according to figures released by the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker spent $11 million in his successful 2018 re-election campaign. His Democratic challenger, Jay Gonzalez, spent about $2.2 million on the race.

That's a far cry from 2014 when there was an open race for governor and six candidates spent a combined $42.3 million.

In all, there were 21 candidates for the six constitutional offices last year compared to 29 in 2014.

OCPF says the six incumbents all spent the most money of any candidate in their races, and all were re-elected.