SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — An independent candidate challenging Sen. Mike Lee raised more than the incumbent Republican in the final quarter of 2021, setting the stage for a costly Senate race in Utah where sitting Republicans typically cruise to victory.

Campaign finance filings detailing the final three months of last year show McMullin raised more than $1 million, which is almost double Lee’s haul.

However, he begins the midterm election year with less than half the campaign funds of Lee, who raised more over the course of 2021.

Republicans account for more than half the electorate in Utah and the state has been represented by two Republican senators since 1977.