Jacob Ogles
Fort Myers Republican Jenna Persons pulled in more than $10,000 in March.
That’s nothing compared to her massive February haul. But it further established Persons as the central figure in the District 78 race to succeed state Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen.
“I think it shows an extremely broad and strong home base,” Persons said.
In total, Persons raised $120,935 thus far in contributions and spent about $3,527. She noted her list of donors includes doctors and homemakers, not just Tallahassee players (though those are in there, too).
The Fort Myers attorney filed for office in February and immediately announced a host committee of heavy hitters in regional politics. She captured notice with a kickoff event in Fort Myers that drew 200 supporters.
“Every check, no matter the size, has been incredibly meaningful to me,” she said. “I’m humbled by the overwhelming support of local folks who have given me their invaluable time and energy.”
She’s running right now against Republican opponent in Roger Lolly, founder of the If I Can Dream Foundation, and Democrat Shawn Michael Williams.
Lolly hasn’t posted March numbers yet but as of the end of February just had $1,000 of his own money in coffers.
The district remains heavily Republican, one where Fitzenhagen rarely faced a Democrat over four election cycles. In November, Fitzenhagen won the general election with 59 percent of the vote over Democrat Parisima Taeb.
Persons has tried for office before: She ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of Fort Myers at age 26 about a decade ago.
Today, she’s a partner at Strayhorn & Persons, a law firm she started.
“First, I’m a Fort Myers girl,” she said. Her family has roots in the community dating back six generations, she said.
Right now, she says she’s most focused on a “listening tour” of the district to learn community priorities. She stresses her interest in business issues and regulation, as well as a support for first responders and broad access to a world-class education.
“I just have a strong passion to fight for the people of Southwest Florida,” she said.
