Mitch Perry
Two rising stars in the Florida Democratic Party announced fundraising totals for the past three months on Wednesday.
Florida Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Patrick Murphy has raised more than $1.4 million in the second quarter this year. The Miami Herald’s Naked Politics first reported the total.
The Jupiter congressman announced his candidacy for the Senate seat in late March, which allowed him a fundraising head start for the second quarter. The Herald reports that more than 3,000 people donated to Murphy during the past three months, with an average individual contribution of less than $200. Murphy raised about $1.3 million during the first quarter and ended the second quarter with more than $2.5 million cash-on-hand.
“I am so honored for the support I’ve received in this campaign,” Murphy said in a prepared statement. “Floridians understand how important this election is, and their early support is critical in helping get our message out. I look forward to continuing to share my vision for strengthening Florida’s middle class with people across the state.”
Meanwhile, Florida CD 2 U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham announced in a prepared statement Wednesday morning that she has raised more than $530,000 in the second quarter, and more than a million dollars overall in 2015 for next year’s fight to retain her seat.
“I’m following through on my promise to bring the North Florida Way to Washington, and that’s exciting people across the district,” Graham said. “I’m proud to have the support of Republicans and Democrats who are yearning for leaders in Congress to cross the aisle and get things done.”
Since January, the Graham campaign collected more than 7,800 online contributions with an average donation of $12.60.
“The North Florida Way is working. We worked with both sides to pass legislation defending Israel from terrorist tunnels. And I’m following through on my pledge to fix Obamacare,” Graham said. “We’ve had great successes in the first six months — and we’re just getting started.”
While Murphy is expecting a serious primary challenge from Orlando area Congressman Alan Grayson, Graham has yet to have a GOP challenger come to the fore. However, there are increasing reports that Tallahassee lawyer Mary Thomas is seriously considering running against Graham, with a possible announcement this month.
