Lizbeth Benacquisto raises more than $50K in SD 27 race

Lizbeth Benacquisto raised more than $50,000 in June, bring her total fundraising haul to more than $300,000.

State records show Benacquisto raised $52,600 between June 1 and June 24. The three-week haul brings the Fort Myers Republican’s fundraising total to $306,571.

Benacquisto received $1,000 donations from “Working for Florida’s Families,” the political committee backing Sen. Ron Bradley, and “Citizens for Fiscal Leadership,” which is associated with Sens. Denise Grimsley and David Simmons.

Her campaign also received $1,000 contributions from Kathleen Rooney, the wife of Francis Rooney, former ambassador to the Holy See and a candidate in Florida’s 19th Congressional District; John Passidomo, the husband of Rep. Kathleen Passidomo and a well-known Naples attorney; former Senate President Don Gaetz; and Sanibel Island Mayor Kevin Ruane.

Benacquisto spent $84,919 between June 1 and June 24, state records show. That sum included $67,000 for media buys. She has more than $121,600 cash on hand.

Benacquisto is running for re-election in Senate District 27. She’ll face Jason Maughan, a Sanibel Island Republican, in the Aug. 30 primary.

Maughan raised $31,825 since jumping into the race June 1. State records show he received $1,000 donations from Bay Medical Solutions; Lazy Flamingo, a Sanibel Island restaurant; and Med Vets Inc. Maughan and his wife each gave $1,000 to the campaign.

State records show Maughan spent $19,444 in June. That sum included the $1,781 filing fee and $13,340 for direct mail. Maughan has more than $12,300 cash on hand.