Chris King, Andrew Gillum slip against Gwen Graham in Democratic governor’s money race

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris King‘s campaign announced he raised $202,000 in June, while rival Andrew Gillum‘s campaign reported $122,000, as both slipped behind Gwen Graham in the early stages of the money chase for the 2018 governor’s race.

The Chris King for Florida campaign announced the Winter Park developer had attracted a combined total of $202,249 in June for his official campaign committee and his unofficial Rise and Lead Florida Political Committee.

That left him with $2.2 million total in contributions thus far, and about $1.6 million in the bank, his campaign stated.

Meanwhile Tallahassee Mayor Gillum’s campaign reported he drew $97,000 for his official campaign fund and $25,000 for his Florida Forward Political Campaign.

Combined the two Gillum accounts have raised about $1.3 million, the campaign stated.

On Monday Graham’s campaign announced she had raised $360,00 in June giving her a total of $2.6 million in contributions.

Gillum suffered his second consecutive month of low fundraising since Graham entered the race, and in the past week his campaign parted company with Campaign Manager Phillip Thompson and Finance Director Brice Barnes.

Still, both King’s and Gillum’s campaigns touted their fundraising efforts Tuesday.

“For a first time candidate, we’re pleased we’re able to keep pace with politicians who have 20 years of relationships with political donors,” King Campaign Manager, Zach Learner said in a news release issued by the campaign.

Gillum’s campaign focused on the high number of individual contributors it has, most of them small donors.

“The mayor entered this race because he fundamentally believes regular people must take this state back from the special interests and the powerful who have made this state their personal playground. We’re thrilled to have the support of literally thousands of people giving what they can to this people-powered campaign for Governor of Florida,” Geoff Burgan, Gillum for Governor’s communications director, stated in a news release.