Drew Wilson
Republican candidate Brian Hodgers gave another $200,000 to his House District 52 campaign in December, bringing his on-hand total to $332,619 after 10 months in the race.
“Our community is worth investing in, and I believe I’m the right person to provide the strong, conservative leadership we need in Tallahassee,” Hodgers said when announcing the December haul. “I know from starting and running several successful businesses the negative impact that government regulations can have, and I want to make sure that current and aspiring entrepreneurs continue to have the opportunity to create jobs and realize their dreams.”
Outside of his $200,000 contribution, Brevard County business owner raised another $7,175 from 17 donors, including $1,000 checks from Gainesville-based companies Tower Hill Signature Insurance and Omega Insurance Holdings.
December expenditures totaled $1,406, including a $1,093 payment to Tallahassee consulting firm Front Line Strategies.
Hodgers is the clear front runner financially. The next closest candidate, Republican Monique Miller, had just under $25,000 cash on-hand through November, followed by Republican Robert Van Volkenburgh with about $8,200 on hand through the same date. Barring big-time December reports, Hodgers stands to keep a $300,000 lead over the competition.
Republican Sen. Thad Altman is also running for the seat, though he has yet to post any fundraising numbers. If his campaign starts showing signs of life, he could give Hodgers a run for his money in the Republican-leaning district.
Altman raised $234,000 for his 2012 Senate campaign and $376,000 during the 2010 cycle, and more than $500,000 in 2008, when he was first elected to the Senate. When he was in the House, Altman wasn’t as successful with fundraising, though he still easily broke the six-figure barrier for elections when he faced opposition.
District 52 covers part of Brevard County and has a 20,000-voter advantage in favor of the GOP. No Democrat has made the ballot on Election Day since districts were redrawn ahead of the 2012 election cycle.
