Ryan Nicol
Republican state Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez raked in more than $113,000 in October, marking the second time in three months she’s topped six figures in contributions as she seeks the Senate District 39 seat.
The latest reports filed with the Division of Elections show Rodriguez pulled in nearly $82,000 to her campaign in October. She added another $31,500 through her political committee, Ethics and Honesty in Government.
That put her far ahead of her Democratic counterpart in the contest, current state Rep. Javier Fernandez. Fernandez, who currently represents House District 114, added just over $12,000 during the month.
Rodriguez raised a flood of money through various political action committees including those representing Chamber-backed groups, the citrus industry, charter schools and various conservative groups, among others.
Her October haul follows a September where she raised more than $87,000. She’s now brought in at least $82,000 in each month since declaring for the contest in July. That includes a high water mark of $157,000 in August.
Rodriguez’ October total was helped along by multiple fundraisers. An Oct. 28 event was hosted by Senate President Bill Galvano, his successor, Sen. Wilton Simpson, and Senate Majority Leader Kathleen Passidomo.
That fundraiser aimed to help multiple Republican candidates. But on Oct. 30, a Rodriguez-focused fundraiser featured Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and Sen. Manny Diaz, Jr. of Miami-Dade.
Those heavy hitters have been called in to help Republicans hold onto the seat, which is being vacated by term-limited Sen. Anitere Flores. The open contest is expected to be one of the most competitive in the state, making it no surprise candidates are courting a flood of money.
The $12,000 mark for Fernandez shows a dip in fundraising after he raised nearly $55,000 in September. He has earned the support from the entire Senate Democratic Caucus, likely giving him a clear path to the Democratic nomination come August.
Rodriguez, meanwhile, is competing for the Republican nomination with Angie Chirino, a singer and former congressional candidate. But GOP bigwigs have already made clear Rodriguez is their candidate of choice. Chirino has not show any money raised since July, when she brought in just $1,200.
SD 39 covers all of Monroe County and part of Miami-Dade County. State political candidates and committees faced a Tuesday deadline for filing reports showing finance activity through Oct. 31.
