Ryan Nicol
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Brian Mast still doubles up his nearest competitor in cash on hand as he defends his seat in Florida’s 18th Congressional District.
Mast, a first-term Republican, held just under $1.8 million dollars after data from the most recent period of July 1 to Aug. 8 was added. Mast pulled in just under $300,000 during that period.
That was nearly equaled by Democrat Lauren Baer, who earned just over $270,000 during the period. But she had just under $900,000 on hand, compared to Mast’s nearly $1.8 million.
Pam Keith, who is battling Baer for the Democratic nomination, didn’t have data available from the most recent period, according to the Federal Election Commission. Neither did Dave Cummings, who’s attempting to upset the incumbent Mast in the GOP primary.
But as of the most recent data available, Keith has just under $70,000 on hand, while Cummings holds slightly more than $5,000.
Mark Freeman, who is also mounting a challenge to Mast, brought in more than $100,000 from July 1 through Aug. 8, ending with more than $50,000 available.
Analysts are split on the general election prospects for the Democrats in this race. Both Larry Sabato and Inside Elections have the race as “likely Republican.” The Cook Political Report gives the Democrats a slightly better chance, rating the race as “lean Republican.”
