Drew Wilson
Former Congresswoman Gwen Graham’s gubernatorial campaign announced Wednesday that its April fundraising efforts yielded more than $1 million — her best total since filing for the race one year ago.
“This campaign is fueled by Floridians and grassroots supporters who are passionate about sharing Gwen’s positive message and dreams for Florida. Democrats are tired of dirty campaigns and outside secret-money groups interfering in elections,” campaign manager Julia Woodward said.
“Gwen is a progressive, a mother and a public servant with a proven track record of standing up for our values and getting things done. As a candidate, she will unite Democrats across our state. As governor, she will bring Floridians together and move Florida forward.”
Graham’s fundraising reports are not yet viewable through the Florida Division of Elections website, though her campaign said it ended the month with more than $4.7 million in the bank between her campaign and committee, Gwen Graham for Florida.
That’s a $700,000 increase from her on hand total at the end of March, when the North Florida Democrat brought in $660,000. The new numbers put her total fundraising close to the $7.5 million mark.
According to the announcement, Graham brought in more than $330,000 for her campaign and more than $670,000 for her committee.
The unofficial tally on the committee website shows several high-dollar contributions in April. Gainesville retiree Gladys Cofrin, Coral Gables attorney Hugh Culverhouse, Lynn Haven contractor James Finch, and EMILY’s List PAC each chipped in $100,000 last month, while Jacksonville attorney Wayne Hogan gave $50,000.
The committee site also shows more than $145,000 spending, including a $120,000 check to the Florida Democratic Party and a $17,400 payment to the Indian Riverkeeper. That donation was due to a campaign pledge Graham made not to accept donations from the sugar industry.
The April finance reports keep Graham solidly in the No. 2 spot in the four-way Democratic Primary to replace termed-out Gov. Rick Scott.
Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine leads the primary field with about $13.5 million raised, including $2 million last month. Levine’s total is buoyed by at least $2.8 million in candidate loans.
Coming in behind Graham is Orlando-area businessman Chris King with $4.6 million raised to date. He added $515,000 in April, including $405,000 of his own money. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is bringing up the rear with around $3 million in total fundraising after bringing in $447,000 between his campaign and committee accounts last month.
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, a Republican, still leads the overall field by a mile. His $2 million effort in April brought his total to the precipice of the $29 million mark. His Republican Primary challenger, U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, hasn’t announced April fundraising numbers but he had raised $7 million and had $6.5 million at the ready at the end of March.
Primary Election Day is Aug. 28. The general election is Nov. 6.
