RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley was the top overall fundraiser in her bid to fill an open U.S. Senate seat in 2022.

Ex-Gov. Pat McCrory was close behind and brought in the most money among the three main Republican primary candidates in the latest reporting period. State Sen. Jeff Jackson is Beasley's top Democratic rival and remains competitive.

Republican U.S. Rep. Ted Budd got former President Donald Trump's endorsement last month but hasn't gotten as much a financial boost from it as some may have expected. Jackson and Budd have more cash in the bank than Beasley and McCrory.

The midterm race will be costly and could determine which party controls the U.S. Senate.

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