Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) set a new 2022 gubernatorial campaign fundraising record. During April, DeSantis raised approximately $10.5 million. Around $2.3 million was raised by his reelection campaign and $8.2 million was raised by DeSantis’ political committee, Friends of Ron DeSantis.
In total, DeSantis has raised over $113 million for the election cycle, which is over 10 times the amount of his next closest competitor, Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL-13).
DeSantis’ popularity continues to grow among grassroots Republicans across the country, including 40,000 contributions from individuals across the country, and some of the wealthiest GOP donors. Today, DeSantis will be traveling to South Carolina for a fundraiser, joined by some of former President Donald Trump’s (R) top donors.
“Everyone who is going to be around that table is a big Trump donor, and it has been communicated to the governor they will support Trump if he runs for re-election. He knows the checks are for his re-election,” said a source close to DeSantis familiar with the event, as reported by German-owned media outlet Politico. “But people here want to get to know him, in case Trump does not run.”
DeSantis has also held fundraisers in Nebraska, Wisconsin, California, and Kentucky.
“The energy and enthusiasm around the governor continues to translate into critical resources for his campaign and with no signs of slowing,” a source familiar with the campaign’s fundraising strategy said, as reported by Fox News. “Donors are responding to his leadership and are eager to fuel the fight. And that’s a welcome sign – Florida is trending red, but it’s also home to some of the country’s most expensive media markets.”
Florida’s Democrats, who have continued to struggle in a state that was previously a political toss-up, are hoping that the United States Supreme Court Roe v. Wade leak will be a mobilizing push to get momentum, fundraising, and voters on their side.
“This is going to be a monumental shift in the politics of our state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, one of the Democrat gubernatorial candidates, in a phone interview to the Tampa Bay Times. “This is our moment, and it also proves how important it is to get the right candidate into office. … If we don’t flip our state, more and more of our rights are going to be encroached upon.”
Of the other Florida Republicans seeking reelection, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) passed the $5 million total mark. All of her potential Democrat challengers have yet to surpass the $100,000 mark
– – –
Grant Holcomb is a reporter at The Florida Capital Star and The Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
Photo “Ron DeSantis” by Ron DeSantis.
