Ryan Nicol
State Rep. MaryLynn Magar took nearly $18,000 in April to help hold her House District 82 seat. That leaves her campaign with just over $95,000 on hand.
The Tequesta Republican is facing a primary challenge August 28 from Judson Epperly.
No Democrats have officially filed to run yet in HD 82, a heavily Republican district covering most of Martin with a slice of Palm Beach counties.
Magar’s fundraising news comes just a day after she announced she would not pursue a run for the Florida Senate. Magar was rumored to enter the race to replace departing state Sen. Joe Negron in Senate District 25.
However, in a statement, Magar said, “Serving the residents of District 82 in the Florida House has been the honor of a lifetime for me, and I want to conclude my service there with a strong finish.” She continued, “There is more work to be done, and I believe my experience and good working relationship with incoming Speaker Oliva put me in an exceptional position to continue reaching our goals of a stronger economy, more jobs, increased public safety, and protections for our precious natural resources. I look forward to working with him and the rest of the House leadership team to keep Florida on the path to continued prosperity.”
Her decision to remain in the House leaves state Rep. Gayle Harrell and Keiser University Vice-Chancellor Belinda Keiser competing for the SD 25 Republican nod.
Magar should be a heavy favorite to hold on to her HD 82 seat. She won her most recent re-election in 2016 by more than 25 percentage points. With no Democrats in the field, Epperly’s primary push is her only roadblock to holding onto her seat. Epperly currently has $23 available in his campaign, compared to Magar’s $95,000.
Her 2018 run will be the fourth and final time Magar could try for re-election. After, she is term-limited.
