Jacksonville freshman legislators are already fundraising for 2018

Three Jacksonville Republicans who are in their first terms in the Florida Legislature have already begun fundraising for 2018.

Though Representatives Jason Fischer, Clay Yarborough, and Cord Byrd aren’t likely to face any credible opposition in running for re-election, their early attention to fundraising indicates the reality of the perpetual campaign.

Of the three listed, Fischer made the most progress in January toward next year’s run for re-election, with $7,614 of new money in January bringing him close to $8,000 on hand.

Of that new money, $5,000 came from the pari mutuel/dog track industry, with the Jacksonville Kennel Club and Orange Park Kennel Club among those gambling interests maxing out to the Southside Jacksonville Republican representing House District 16.

Clay Yarborough, a Christian conservative representing House District 12 (also on Jacksonville’s Southside), brought in $2,500 between Jan. 10 and Jan. 31 — his first filing period of the 2018 campaign.

Yarborough collected no money from gambling interests. However, he shared other donors with Fischer, such as Kaleo Pharmaceuticals and Southern Gardens Citrus Holdings.

Byrd, who represents Jacksonville Beach and Nassau County in House District 11, brought in $4,500 of new January money. Of that money, $2,500 came from the dog track industry.