Drew Wilson
Republican Baxter Troutman said his Agriculture Commissioner campaign hit the $2.9 million mark in total fundraising last month and has $2.7 million on hand.
Troutman, a former Winter Haven state representative, is one of three Republicans vying to replace term-limited Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam, who is running for Governor in 2018.
Troutman’s February campaign finance report is not yet available through the Florida Division of Elections, though he would have had to raise about $200,000 and spend $50,000 last month to hit his stated figures.
At the end of January, Troutman’s campaign and committee, iGrow PC, had brought in $2.7 million, including $2.5 million in candidate contributions, and had about $2.55 million on hand.
His primary opponents, Lehigh Acres Rep. Matt Caldwell and Sebring Sen. Denise Grimsley, were not able to raise money for their campaigns due to the Legislature being in Session for all of February.
Caldwell finished January with about $1.11 million in the bank between his campaign and committee, while Grimsley had $909,459 on hand between her two accounts.
Sitting lawmakers are not barred from spending campaign cash during Session, so their balances may show a decline once their reports are filed.
Three Democrats are also running for the Cabinet position: Jeffery Duane Porter, R. David Walker and Thomas Clayton White.
None of the three candidates have posted their February reports.
Walker had less than $500 in his campaign account at the end of January and Porter and White didn’t file for the race until the tail end of the month.
