In Tampa, Dana Young crushing Janet Cruz in money race

The Dana Young/Janet Cruz Senate race holds the record for being the most expensive Florida legislative race ever (beating the old record by about $1 million).

Incumbent Dana Young continues to crush challenger Janet Cruz in fundraising.

Information from the Division of Elections shows Young, the Republican now representing for Tampa’s Senate District 18 has nearly $500,000 cash on hand. Cruz has less than $50,000.

The disparity stems from another huge gap in overall fundraising.

To date, Young has raked in $718,000 from local, state and outside donors. Cruz has raised $279,000.

Cruz came close to Young in fundraising during the latest reporting period, Sept. 1-14. Cruz brought in just under $37,000 while Young raised nearly $43,000.

She’s challenging Young in one of the most contentious and important races in the state.

Susan McManus, a retired political scientist from the University of South Florida and frequent political commentator, called the state Senate race one of the top five most important in the nation.

Young is seeking her second term in the Senate after serving in the House. Cruz is the outgoing House Democratic Leader and is term-limited. 

The two present staunchly different views on gun control, education and the environment.

Cruz voted against the school safety bill that provided additional funding for school security and increased the legal age of firearm purchases from 18 to 21 because the bill did not include a ban on assault weapons. Young voted in favor of the bill. It also included a provision that allows properly trained teachers to carry guns in school.

Cruz is hoping to ride the so-called “blue wave” to unseat Young. While Cruz is underperforming in fundraising efforts, she says her campaign is in full swing on the ground knocking on doors and attending events.

Cruz has been involved with the Andrew Gillum campaign for Governor, attending local events and supporting increased education funding and higher teacher wages.

Last week Cruz spoke at a press conference in front of Plant High School calling attention to the lack of maintenance funds available. That school has issues with mold and has to have clean air pumped into the building through tubes.