Florida congressional Democrats fall in behind Al Lawson’s re-election bid

Rep. Al Lawson draws a new challenger with an interesting resume.

U.S. Rep. Al Lawson hinted earlier this month about a swath of endorsements from his Florida Democratic colleagues in Congress.

On Monday he delivered.

In total, eight endorsements came his way: U.S. Reps. Darren Soto, Val Demings. Charlie Crist, Kathy Castor, Lois Frankel, Ted Deutch, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Frederica Wilson.

“I am humbled to receive the support of my colleagues as we continue to make our economy stronger, communities safer and produce results that all North Florida families can be proud of,” Lawson said.

These endorsements come at a key time for Lawson.

Alvin Brown, the former Jacksonville mayor primarying Lawson currently, enjoyed a two-to-one fundraising advantage during the first quarter of 2018.

And that means that Brown has pulled close to Lawson in terms of cash on hand.

For the quarter, Brown brought in $167, 088, while Lawson hauled in $83,866.

Lawson had $100,000 cash on hand at the end of 2017, before Brown got in the race. Now Lawson has just under $160,000 and Brown has just over $127,000.