Kelly Hayes
Pinellas County Commission candidate Brian Scott raised more than $17,000 in November for his District 2 bid, his campaign announced Thursday.
Scott collected $17,435 this past month between his campaign and affiliated political committee, Friends of Brian Scott, bringing his overall total raised to $80,645.
“We are less than a year out until the 2022 election, and our campaign momentum remains strong,” Scott, a Republican, said in a statement. “I’m committed to meeting with as many Pinellas residents as possible to learn more about how our County Commission can better serve them, and our grassroots contributions allow us to accomplish that.”
Scott, who is president of Escot Bus Lines, is running to unseat Democratic Commissioner Pat Gerard.
As of October, Gerard held a narrow lead in the fundraising race against Scott since launching her reelection bid in September. However, depending on her November fundraising, which has not yet been posted, it’s possible Scott has caught up.
Scott’s campaign provided the latest fundraising numbers. More information will be available when reports are posted to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections website Friday.
The race also includes Republican Debbie Buschman, the Lunch Pal coordinator for Pinellas County Schools.
District 2 is an at-large seat covering northwest Pinellas County, but it is voted on countywide.
For years, the GOP has been eyeing the district to retake after Gerard flipped the seat blue in 2014, replacing former Commissioner Norm Roche. Roche lost the Republican Primary that year to now Sen. Ed Hooper, who lost to Gerard in the General Election.
The race will appear on the 2022 ballot. If no Democrat files to challenge Gerard, she will face the winner of the GOP Primary next November.
Note: Scott’s campaign initially provided an incorrect total amount. The number has since been correct.
