Anthony Sabatini draws another Democratic challenger

Republican Rep. Anthony Sabatini has drawn another challenger in his reelection bid for House District 32.

Clermont Democrat Stephanie Dukes filed for the seat on Thursday, setting up a possible primary against Ryan Morales, also of Clermont.

As far as fundraising, Morales hasn’t yet established himself in the race, leaving room for Dukes to catch up. Since launching his campaign in April, he has raised about $2,500 and had about $400 banked.

Sabatini, meanwhile, had raised $22,200 in hard month through the end of last month and had a little under $10,000 on hand.

While not particularly impressive for an incumbent lawmaker, he has the advantage in the Lake County district.

HD 32 is heavily Republican, with GOP voters accounting for 40% of the district’s electorate. Democrats, by comparison, make up less than a third.

That split has shown up at the polls as well. In the 2018 election, Sabatini was elected over Democratic nominee Cynthia Brown with 57% of the vote.

No other Democrat has attempted to run in the seat since it was redrawn ahead of the 2012 election, though in 2016, the seat went plus-16 for Donald Trump.