Drew Wilson
Wellington Democratic Rep. Matt Willhite is launching his House District 86 re-election campaign with a campaign fundraiser on May 30.
The kickoff event will be held at Beauty and the Beeeef in the Wellington Mall, 10300 Forest Hill Blvd. #239, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm. Supporters looking to turn out for the first-term lawmaker can send an RSVP to Kay Cook via [email protected] or call 571-235-0318.
No primary challengers have filed against Willhite in the Palm Beach County district, though he does face a challenge from Royal Palm Beach Republican Laurel Bennett, the 2016 nominee for the seat who filed for another run in mid-February.
As of April 30, Willhite had raised nearly $40,000 for his re-election bid and had about $32,500 banked, while Bennett has raised just $25. She has only filed her February report thus far and is facing some penalties from the Florida Division of Elections due to her tardiness in uploading her March and April reports.
Willhite was recently honored by the Associated Industries of Florida for his 100 percent voting record on their legislative priorities. He was the only Democrat listed in their report, which celebrated the voting records of 38 lawmakers.
HD 86 covers part of inland Palm Beach, including Loxahatchee Groves, Royal Palm Beach and Wellington. It is a Democratic stronghold – Willhite won his first term with a 15-point win over Bennett in 2016.
Willhite’s invitation is below.
