Joe Garcia, Fighting for CD 26, Has His Foot on the Fundraising Gas

Former Congressman Joe Garcia, challenging Annette Taddeo in the CD 26 Democratic primary, has posted impressive fundraising numbers, bringing his total more than $325,000 in just weeks.

Garcia, the only Democrat to represent the district in Congress and a former White House adviser to President Obama, announced his candidacy to regain his congressional seat in February. He said he was gratified and encouraged, having immediately received widespread support from the South Florida community. 

“I announced my candidacy in February, because I couldn’t sit by and watch Republicans like Carlos Curbelo dismantle access to healthcare and family planning for women, treat our immigrant community like second-class citizens and strike down environmental protections that keep our water clean and our natural treasures safe,” said Garcia. “Today’s numbers show the people of South Florida know that I won’t let them down.”

Garcia’s fundraising brings his total cash on hand to $315,000. Sixty-four percent of his donations came from Miami-Dade and Monroe County, indicating strong support from residents of the district he would represent if elected. Recent poll numbers confirm this support, showing Garcia with a double digit lead over his primary opponent, including a 10-point lead among women, an 8 point lead among Hispanics and an 18 point lead among African Americans.

Redistricting added more Democrats to CD 26, transforming it into a district that voted by a +11 margin for Obama in 2012. Only four Republicans in 2014 -- a record low turnout year for Democrats -- won in districts this blue, giving Dems a strong chance of picking up this seat in 2016.