Phil Ammann
State Rep. Travis Hutson boosted his coffers with more than $110K in New Year campaign cash as the Elkton Republican enters next week’s special primary for Senate District 6.
The special election is to replace former state Sen. John Thrasher, the St. Augustine Republican who resigned from the Legislature in November to become Florida State University president.
According to reports filed Friday with the state Division of Elections. Hutson added $110,430 between Jan. 1-22, for a total of $347,255 and $150,000 in loans so far. After spending another $164,522 in the reporting period, Hutson’s overall campaign price tag now stands at $453,012.
Hutson faces two other Republicans in the primary set for Tuesday, including fellow state Rep. Ronald “Doc” Renuart.
During the same period, Renuart, a Ponte Vedra Beach Republican, raised a total of $46,650 to being his total to $139,655. After spending $105,305 in the first three weeks of January, Renuart’s campaign price tag stands at $173,858 – less than half that of Hutson.
Dennis McDonald, the third Republican candidate, has not reported raising any funds as of Dec. 31, and loaned his campaign $6,300.
Whoever wins the GOP primary next Tuesday will face Daytona Beach Democrat David Cox in the special general election on April 7. As of Dec. 31, Cox reported raising only $150.
Hutson most recently served House District 24, which includes Flagler County and parts of St. Johns and Volusia counties. Renuart is from House District 17, which covers northern St. Johns County, from St. Augustine to Palm Valley. District 6 covers St. Johns, Flagler and Putnam counties and parts of Volusia County.
