Though Northam took in several big checks from Democratic-aligned interest groups, he far outpaced Gillespie in small-dollar donations. Northam received 6,860 contributions of $100 or less, compared with 2,739 for Gillespie.

Quentin Kidd, a political science professor and the director of CNU’s Wason Center, said enthusiasm and/or anxiety among Democratic donors has already brought in big money for other Democrats running in special elections since President Donald Trump’s victory last year.

That trend seems to be continuing with Northam, Kidd said, and money could play a bigger role in a close race with many voters seemingly tuned out.

“That gives Northam an advantage because we know that voters haven’t been paying attention to this race,” Kidd said. “We know that they’re overwhelmed by politics right now. So it costs more to reach out to voters now than it might have in the last governor’s race.”

Northam spokesman David Turner said the campaign finance reports show Gillespie has “both funding issues and enthusiasm issues.” The latter, Turner said, were on display over the weekend when Gillespie rallied with Vice President Mike Pence in an Abingdon exhibition hall that was half full.