Danny McAuliffe
Allison Tant is the lone candidate lined up to replace Democratic Rep. Loranne Ausley in 2020.
But the former Florida Democratic Party chair isn’t taking isolation granted. Tant’s raised more than $150,000 since opening a campaign account in January.
Tant announced she’d run for the Tallahassee seat shortly after incumbent Ausley said she would forego a third term in order to run for Sen. Bill Montford’s nearby District 3 seat in 2020 — when Montford, also a Democrat, will be termed-out.
Pointing to money from supporters and nearly 500 petitions signed, Tant said she’s “grateful” for the momentum behind her candidacy.
“Our neighbors and friends in Tallahassee are eager to help us build a grassroots campaign that is focused on strong leadership for our community,” Tant said. “I am humbled by the support we have received, and excited for the journey ahead.”
With strong ties to Democratic politics in Florida, Tant has quickly amassed formidable fundraising numbers. The seat skews blue, with Democrats outnumbering Republicans by more than 13,000 registered voters through most of 2018.
Unlike some other 2020 legislative candidates, Tant had the ability to fundraise throughout the Legislative Session. Incumbents, on the other hand, are prohibited from taking donations during the annual lawmaking process, which this year ended May 4.
Tant, who’s spent less than $3,000 since filing, brought in more than $24,000 to her campaign account during March and April. Candidates and committees faced a May 10 deadline to report their finance activity through April 30.
Tant’s committee, People First Leadership Political Committee, hauled in just more than $1,600 since she declared for the seat.
During April, six donors contributed $1,000 checks — the maximum allowable campaign donation for House races. Among them were local lobbyists and an apartment company.
As well, Ruth’s list, a group dedicated to electing Florida women into office, and JM Family Enterprises, a company founded by the late automobile entrepreneur and philanthropist Jim Moran, chipped in for the maximum limit.
Contributions linked to influential groups like the Florida Medical Association, Florida Retail Federation and Florida Dental Association also appear across Tant’s previous fundraising totals.
