Top Senate Republicans hosting Jim Boyd fundraiser

Former Rep. Jim Boyd will get some more help raising campaign cash for his Senate run later this month.

Senate President Bill Galvano, Senate President-Designate Wilton Simpson and Sarasota Sen. Joe Gruters, who chairs the Republican Party of Florida, are hosting an Oct. 29 reception benefitting Boyd’s campaign.

The event invite lists the venue as the GROVE Restaurant in Lakewood Ranch. It starts at 5:30 p.m.

A day before the Lakewood Ranch fundraiser, Galvano and Simpson will host a Naples event boosting Boyd and fellow 2020 Senate candidates Jason Brodeur, Jennifer Bradley, Rep. Ray Rodrigues and Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez.

Boyd, who served in the House through the 2018 election, is looking to replace Galvano in Senate District 21. So far, Boyd has raised $48,275 for his campaign.

He faces Democratic contender Amanda Linton who is currently his sole opponent. He has already locked down endorsements from Galvano and Simpson, who will take over as Senate President following the 2020 election.

SD 21 has a built-in advantage for Republicans.

According to the most recent voter registration numbers for the Manatee- and Hillsborough-based district, Republicans make up 43 percent of the electorate while Democrats make up 30 percent.

That gap has translated at the polls. Though Galvano went unopposed in his two elections since the Senate map was redrawn, President Donald Trump carried the district by 18 points in 2016.

The fundraiser invitation is below. Supporters can RSVP online.