Jacob Ogles
Former state Rep. Jim Boyd continues to quickly build up a war chest for his Florida Senate bid. In September, the Bradenton Republican outraised his Democratic opponent Amanda Linton, by more than a 10-to-1 margin.
In total, Boyd took in $24,025 in monetary contributions in September, his second month of fundraising since announcing for Senate. So far, he’s raised $48,275 toward the race.
A look through his donor list shows the four-term House veteran has maintained friendships in Tallahassee and his district.
More political committees have dropped $1,000 checks in Boyd’s coffer this month. That includes state Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto’s Protect Florida Families Fund, state Rep. Tom Leek’s Living Life With Purpose and GO consultant Trey McCarley’s Growing Florida’s Future committees. The AT&T PAC also chipped in the maximum amount.
Former Speaker of the House Steve Crisafulli and wife Kristen both gave $1,000 to Boyd. So did lobbyist Ron Book, whose government consulting and accounting firms also made donations.
Capital Advocacy Group also sent in $1,000 for Boyd’s Senate campaign.
As for local support, Boyd also picked up a $1,000 check from Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, the developer for Lakewood Ranch. The Lakewood Ranch Golf Company also donated $1,000 to Boyd. John Neal, a homebuilder in the region and son of influential developer Pat Neal, also donated $1,000.
Bridgely Key Options, a Bradenton insurance company, also donated to Boyd, a Bradenton insurance broker.
Workforce Business Services CEO Robert Kelly donated $1,000, as did three companies under the WBS umbrella.
Linton, for her part, had her biggest fundraising month since jumping into the race in July. She pulled in $2,200 in new donations in September.
Nearly half of that came from Andrew Learned, a House candidate in Riverview running to succeed Adam Hattersley. The rest of the Hillsborough educator’s donations came in small amounts, mostly from small donors in the Tampa Bay area.
To date, Boyd remains the only Republican running for the open seat, and Linton the only Democrat. Florida Senate District 21 is currently represented by Senate President Bill Galvano.
