Nikki Fried makes $100K investment in down-ballot candidates
Nikki Fried

fried
There may soon be a pack of Democratic officeholders who owe Fried a favor.

Florida’s top Democratic official committed to give six figures to down-ballot candidates for the Nov. 3 election.

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the only Democrat holding statewide office, announced an investment of more than $100,000 for more than 50 candidates.

Funds will come from direct contributions of her own or through her Florida Consumers First political committee. The money will go to benefit both the individual campaigns and the Florida Democratic Party, as well as the respective House Victory and Senate Victory arms.

“Florida Democrats have the opportunity to flip several legislative and municipal seats throughout the state, but the candidates can’t do it without support,” Fried said. “I’ve committed to seeing that they have not just the financial support but the political support to help them win. We have an incredible slate of candidates up and down the ballot who I am proud to endorse and will do everything I can to see them elected on Nov.3.”

In the build-up to the General Election, Fried has become a fixture for virtual fundraisers, whether for Joe Biden’s Presidential ticket or for numerous campaigns at the federal, state and local levels.

She also invested to make sure smaller campaigns had access to data and resources to fund successful efforts in the fall.

Florida Democratic Party chair Terrie Rizzo said the investment has proven critical in making sure a number of candidates remain competitive.

“We are so grateful for Commissioner Fried’s leadership to our party during the 2020 elections,” Rizzo said. “This kind of involvement from a statewide Democrat in Florida is really unprecedented. Her voice will be critical to ensure victories throughout the state.”

The work likely does more than give candidates for various levels of office an edge heading to the polls. Fried remains one of the most frequently mentioned Democratic contenders for Governor. She’s openly admitted she’s “looking into” a run in 2022.

Helping elect more Democrats to the Legislature likely paves the way for legislative successes from her current perch in the Agriculture Commissioner’s seat. It also develops a network of office-holders loyal to Fried as she weighs her options and seeks to set herself apart in any potential primary field.

Jacob Ogles

Jacob Ogles has covered politics in Florida since 2000 for regional outlets including SRQ Magazine in Sarasota, The News-Press in Fort Myers and The Daily Commercial in Leesburg. His work has appeared nationally in The Advocate, Wired and other publications. Events like SRQ’s Where The Votes Are workshops made Ogles one of Southwest Florida’s most respected political analysts, and outlets like WWSB ABC 7 and WSRQ Sarasota have featured his insights. He can be reached at [email protected].


One comment

  • Ed

    October 20, 2020 at 9:29 pm

    How does Nikki Fried contribute $100,000 to the campaign of candidates she supports in the state of Florida. Yes this is not all of her personal funds but she does live in a $750,000 house in Tallahassee on a salary of roughly $125,000. Now how does she do all of that on her income? Fuzzy math?

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