Mitch Perry
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a Democrat challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo in Florida’s 26th Congressional District, raised nearly $240,000 during the final months of 2017. All told, Murcasel-Powell has raised more than $417,000 since entering the contest in August.
“I am extremely grateful for the ongoing support we’ve received from the 26th district and across Florida,” said Mucarsel-Powell.
The challenger’s numbers are impressive, but still pale next to Curbelo’s robust fundraising efforts as he gears up for what is expected to be an intense campaign. Curbelo has yet to announce his fundraising efforts for the fourth quarter, but his last financial report in October showed that he had more than $1.3 million cash in hand.
CD 26 is the most Democratic-leaing district in the country represented by a Republican running for re-election in 2018. It is one of just 23 House seats nationwide — and one of two in Florida — to go for Hillary Clinton for president while also sending a Republican to Congress. In 2016, Clinton won the district by 16 points while Curbelo beat former Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia by twelve points.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has named Mucarsel-Powell, a former associate dean of fundraising at Florida International University and a consultant for non-profits, as one of 18 Democrats that it is focusing on in its “Red to Blue” program. The program highlights candidates in competitive districts who have shown an ability to raise money and build a viable campaign operation.
In a statement, Mucarsel-Powell linked Curbelo’s voting record over the past year with President Donald Trump.
“Over the last 10 months, as Congressman Carlos Curbelo voted to rip away healthcare from millions of Americans, helped write the Republican tax bill that will raise middle class taxes while handing cuts to his corporate donors, and voted with Donald Trump more than 83% of the time, we’ve been traveling the district talking to Floridians about what matters to them and their families. I’m focused on bringing down healthcare costs while expanding access and making economic growth work for families like ours in South Florida. While I’m building grassroots momentum, Congressman Curbelo is working to hide from his Republican voting record. With our large coalition of supporters, we are poised to take back this seat for the people of Florida in November.”
CD 26 encompasses southwest Miami-Dade County and Key West.
