The race to make it to the Florida Capitol is heating up, and politicians are stockpiling loads of cash to help them secure a win in November to send them to Tallahassee next year.
In the race for open Florida House seats, Republicans have dominated the field of top fundraising war chests, with the GOP snagging eight out of the top 10 spots for the most money raised as of last month.
Here’s a look at which candidates have raised the most money so far in for their 2016 campaigns.
Brian Hodgers, HD 52
Republican candidate Brian Hodgers has raised the most money in the race to represent House District 52 in Florida House of Representatives, holding $349,000 as of April 30.
Hodgers, a Melbourne businessman, gave $200,000 to his own campaign, which largely assisted his rise to the top. He currently has outraised all of his Republican opponents, including Sen. Thad Altman, who is also running for the seat.
HD 52 covers part of Brevard County.
William McBride, Jr., HD 27
Central Florida attorney William McBride has raised the third-highest amount of money for the southern Volusia County district, with $262,000 cash on hand as of April 30.
McBride kicked off his run for office with a $250,000 donation to his campaign, bringing the Republican’s funding numbers up.
Loranne Ausley, HD 9
Ausley is the only Democratic candidate to have over $300,000 in their campaign war chest as of April 30. Ausley’s total cash on hand for the seat, which covers parts of Tallahassee.
Ausley previously held the seat from 2000-2008 but was term-limited out of office. She has $349,000 cash on hand.
Randy Fine, HD 53
Brevard businessman and Republican Randy Fine has $213,000 cash on hand for his battle to win HD 53, which covers parts of Brevard County.
Fine runs a software consulting firm focusing entirely on the hospitality industry.
David Richardson, HD 113
Democrat David Richardson is currently running for reelection in HD 113, which covers the Miami Beach area. He has served in the House since 2012 and has $167,000 cash on hand.
Erin Grall, HD 54
Grall has already outraised the three other Republicans who are competing for this seat to succeed Rep. Debbie Mayfield.
Grall, who is a member of the Indian River Republican Executive Committee, has $164,000 cash on hand.
Lange Sykes, HD 54
Sykes is another Republican vying for the coveted HD 54 seat to replace Rep. Mayfield. Sykes, who works as the vice president of an organics company, has kept himself competitive with Republicans like Erin Grall, only falling slightly behind her cash-on-hand total to $162,000.
Jose Oliva, HD 110
The future Florida House leader, who has been a state representative since 2011, has no shortage of cash on hand moving forward. According to reports, Oliva has $156,000 cash on hand.
Wanda Lewis, HD 21
Republican businesswoman Wanda Lewis has been a strong fundraiser so far, considering she only jumped into the race in February.
Lewis says her business background would be helpful for voters who want to improve the economy. She has $155,000 cash on hand.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
