Peter Schorsch
Jack Latvala did not let a pesky hurricane or two stand in the way of him raising some serious dollars for his 2018 gubernatorial bid.
The Republican state senator announced Tuesday that he raised more than $650,000 in September, the first full month of fundraising since he launched his campaign. A press release from Latvala’s campaign stated that contributions came from residents in 39 different Florida counties.
On top of what was raised for his campaign, Latvala’s Florida Leadership Committee raised $156,670 last month.
“Since entering the governor’s race, I have been overwhelmed by the positive response from residents around the state,” Latvala said. “From the first responders who are already lining up behind our campaign, to the small business and tourism community leaders who are expressing support, to the very first person who contributed to my campaign — a veteran in the panhandle, I am excited about the next 12 months and eventually leading this great state moving forward.”
Politicians across the state all but suspended their campaigns in preparation for and recovery from Hurricane Irma, which impacted several different parts of the state. Latvala held a fundraiser in his home county of Pinellas right before Irma struck, but then had to scale back a handful of other fundraising events.
All told, Latvala has more than $4.67 million cash on hand.
Latvala, who opened a campaign account in August, joined Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam in what could be a crowded GOP primary in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Rick Scott. House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Congressman Ron DeSantis also are considering bids for the governor’s mansion.
Latvala, 65, serves as the powerful chairman of the Senate budget committee and has racked up more than 15 years of legislative experience during two stints in the state Senate.
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Material from the News Service of Florida was used in this post.
