Peter Schorsch
Chip LaMarca, the only Republican on the Broward County Commission, raised more than $110,000 in less than two months in his bid for House District 93.
LaMarca is seeking to succeed state Rep. George Moraitis, a Fort Lauderdale Republican who is term-limited for 2018. HD 93 covers northeast Broward along the coast – including Deerfield Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Lighthouse Point, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale by the Sea and Fort Lauderdale – and is one of the reliably Republican areas in a mostly Democratic county.
The breakdown of HD 93 registered voters are 35 percent Democrats, 36 percent Republicans and 29 percent other/independent/no party affiliation.
“We are overwhelmed by the support that we have received for our campaign,” LaMarca said in a statement Friday. “For years I have fought hard to bring jobs to our community, reduce the cost of doing business, protect our beaches and expand our economic engines like Port Everglades and the Fort Lauderdale Airport. Now, I want to take that fight to Tallahassee as our next state representative.”
The fundraising announcement is in advance of official numbers posted on the Florida Division of Elections website.
Moraitis – the sole Republican lawmaker in a county dominated by Democrats – has come out strongly in support of LaMarca: “It has been an honor to work with Commissioner LaMarca on the critical issues facing our community. As I prepare to leave office next November, I know that Chip will continue to make sure that Broward County is heard loud and clear in Tallahassee. I am proud to support Chip for the Florida House because of the work he will continue to do to fight for our community.”
Currently serving his second term on the Broward Commission, LaMarca – a lifelong resident of HD 93 – previously served two terms as a Lighthouse Point City Commissioner, as well as Commission president and as a former chair of the Broward Republican Party.
Two Democrats are also seeking the HD 93 seat: Emma Collum of Fort Lauderdale and Stephanie Myers of Fort Lauderdale.
