Drew Wilson
Another Democrat has thrown his hat in the ring for Agriculture Commissioner, according to papers filed with the Florida Division of Elections.
Broward County resident David Walker filed for the seat Friday and joins Michael Christine in the Democratic Primary to take over for term-limited Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam, who is running for governor.
Though Walker shares his name with the Sunshine State’s eighth governor, he appears to be a political newcomer.
He doesn’t have a lot of catching up to do with Christine as far as fundraising goes, though he’ll need a sizable campaign fund to compete with the Republican candidates in the race, especially current leader Sen. Denise Grimsley.
The Sebring Republican announced Thursday that she had added another $152,000 between her campaign and committee accounts last month, and has so far raised about $1.1 million for her quest to replace Putnam.
Fort Myers Republican Rep. Matt Caldwell isn’t far behind with more than $1 million raised since January, including $108,000 last month. Between his campaign and committee accounts, he has $878,000 on hand.
The third major GOP candidate in the race is citrus grower and former four-term Winter Haven Rep. Baxter Troutman.
Businessman Paul Paulson, a homebuilder who mounted an unsuccessful bid to be Orlando mayor in 2015, is also running.
Christine, who entered the race in April, reported no contributions for both June and July.
