Ryan Nicol
State Rep. David Richardson is trying to close out his campaign in Florida’s 27th Congressional District in strong form after announcing he had outraised primary opponent Donna Shalala 3-to-1 in the most recent filing period.
Between July 1 and Aug. 8, Richardson raised more than $364,000. That compares to Shalala’s $135,000 over the same period. Her campaign will be unable to spend $11,000 of that due to FEC limits for individual donors.
Overall, the report showed Richardson receiving 18,000 contributions with an average donation of $19.
“Effectively tripling Donna Shalala’s fundraising in the final months shows how my proven progressive track record and message have won viral grassroots support,” Richardson said.
“This report is clear: it doesn’t pay to sell out to the corporate establishment. I’ve proven that a campaign can thrive without relying on donations from corporate PACs or Wall Street executives, and now we are set to translate our financial success into electoral success on Aug. 28.”
That’s the day Richardson is set to face off with Shalala and three others for the Democratic nomination in CD 27. Former Knight Foundation Program Director Matt Haggman, Miami Beach Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, and former University of Miami academic adviser Michael A. Hepburn are also competing for the nod.
In addition, Richardson announced he would be campaigning Friday with U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan of Wisconsin. Pocan is the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which endorsed Richardson; he also authored a bill to abolish ICE in Congress.
“We need a true progressive like David Richardson in Congress to drive the debate forward on the issues we care about,” Pocan said.
“I am proud that David stands with our Caucus in the fight to abolish ICE and pass Medicare-for-all. His work in the Florida House of Representatives over the past six years and his groundbreaking campaign platform prove that he is more than worthy of the endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.”
“I want to thank Congressman Pocan for showing progressive strength and unity by campaigning with me,” Richardson added.
“I am proud to be recognized for my progressive bona fides with both his visit and the endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Together, we can turn Miami’s palpable progressive sentiment into an electoral game changer.”
The winner of the Democratic primary will earn a chance to turn the CD 27 seat blue. The race is open, as longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen elected not to run for another term.
