Jacob Ogles
Navy Reservist Fiona McFarland announced more than $100,000 in cash on hand in her state House race.
The Sarasota Republican raised $41,415 in July. That comes after a successful June financial report and makes her the fundraising leader in House District 72 for the moment.
“Though we’re only in the early stages of this race, the momentum we’ve generated tells me there’s enthusiasm for principled, common-sense representation in Tallahassee,” McFarland said.
That solid haul comes as a critical time in the Florida House District 72 contest.
Incumbent state Rep. Margaret Good announced last week she will forgo seeking reelection and instead run for Congress. She’s challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan in Florida’s 16th Congressional District.
That changes the dynamic in District 72 to an open seat.
McFarland currently faces Sarasota Charter Review Board member Donna Barcomb in the Republican primary. Barcomb entered the race in January; McFarland filed in June.
Despite scant fundraising in June, Barcomb maintained a fundraising lead through that month, with $47,665 raised, compared to McFarland’s $42,150.
Barcomb also has a $9,000 candidate loan already reported, and McFarland has put in a $20,000 loan. The McFarland-connected political committee Friends of Sarasota also raised $10,000.
Now, McFarland’s campaign account has again raised upward of $40,000 in a month. The campaign on its own now has a six-figure total in cash. That’s with no fundraising by the political committee in July.
“I’m humbled by this show of initial support and my resolve to serve the people of this community is stronger than ever,” she said.
Barcomb previously told Florida Politics she took a break from fundraising in June. She has not reported her July fundraising yet, so it’s likely too soon to compare her performance and McFarland’s.
But supporters of McFarland say the continued fundraising performance proves she is no one-month wonder.
“Sarasota deserves a representative who will put it all on the line for her community,” said advisor Max Goodman. “Fiona has the strength, dedication, and perseverance to help Sarasota thrive and prosper — now and into the future.”
No Democrats have officially filed with the state, though Sarasota attorney Drake Buckman, the first to announce he will run to succeed Good, said he already mailed his paperwork to the state.
