Joe Gibbons, D-Pembroke Park, is seeking a fourth term in the Florida House but faces a serious opponent in the Democratic primary come Aug. 14. But Gibbons has kept his money in the bank, giving him a healthy war chest as the primary battle enters its final days.
First elected to the Florida House in 2006 to represent parts of Broward County, after serving on the Hallandale Beach City Commission, Gibbons spent the last two years as part of the Democratic leadership, serving as minority leader pro tempore under House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders of Key West. But when Gibbons attempted to move up the party ladder, the Democratic caucus turned to incoming House Democratic Leader Perry Thurston of Plantation instead. Gibbons also serves as the ranking Democrat on the Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee.
As he runs for a fourth term, Gibbons is now looking to represent parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties in HD 100. He faces a major opponent in Sheldon Lisbon, a bookstore owner and teacher who served on the Surfside City Commission. Lisbon garnered national media attention when he ripped into the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for insisting his plea for the Jewish community to back him instead of Gibbons was divisive. Lisbon, the son of Holocaust survivors, apologized earlier this month for his comments about the ADL.
Gibbons has reeled in some impressive endorsements, including Associated Industries of Florida (AIF), the Broward County Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and Equality Florida. But Lisbon has also garnered endorsements, such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
As the primary reaches its final weeks, Gibbons has the advantage in funds on hand. As of July 20, he had raised more than $61,500 -- including about $36,750 since April 1 -- and kept most of it in the bank, spending less than $21,900 with more than $20,000 spent since July 7.
Lisbon entered the race in late May and had raised more than $13,500 by July 20. He has relied on more than $21,000 he has loaned the campaign. While he has spent more than Gibbons, he has kept little on hand. By July 20, Lisbon had spent almost $33,000, leaving around $1,500 in the bank for the final weeks before the primary.
Whoever emerges with the Democratic nomination will be heading to Tallahassee. The Republicans and minor parties are not running any candidates for this House seat.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
