Statewide political candidates have received more than $11 million in state matching funds, with much of the money going to Gov. Ron DeSantis and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist, according to totals posted on the state Division of Elections website.
As of Friday, candidates had received about $11.025 million, up from $10.52 million a week earlier. DeSantis has collected $6,354,664, while Crist has pulled in $2,943,572.
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who lost an August primary to Crist, collected $944,850 in matching funds.
Also, Republican state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has received $204,406, while his Democratic opponent, Adam Hattersley, has received $137,453.
Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody has received $262,988, while her Democratic opponent, Aramis Ayala, has not tapped into the matching-funds program.
Democrat Daniel Uhlfelder, who lost a primary to Ayala, drew $177,585 in matching funds. The candidates for agriculture commissioner, Republican Wilton Simpson, and Democrat Naomi Blemur, have not received money from the program.
The state offers matches for contributions of $250 or less from individuals to statewide candidates’ campaign accounts.
Matching funds are not available for contributions to political committees or outside of statewide races. This year’s total is the most in a single election cycle.
Visit Tampafp.com for Politics, Sports, and National Headlines. Support journalism by clicking here to our GiveSendGo or sign up for our free newsletter by clicking here.
Android Users, Click Here To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook Here Or Twitter Here.
Copyright 2022 The Free Press, LLC, tampafp.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.