A.G. Gancarski
House Speaker-designate Paul Renner, a Palm Coast Republican representing House District 24, raised more than $350,000 in November for his re-election.
The latest haul, which beefed up Renner’s two political committees and his campaign account, brings his cash on hand total to more than $1.6 million.
Most of the November raising, $345,000, went to Renner’s Conservatives for Principled Leadership political committee, which now has $1.37 million on hand.
November represented the strongest fundraising for that committee since February.
The leading donor was Bellini Family Office, a Tampa venture capital firm that kicked in $80,000. The optometrist political committee OD-Eye PAC donated $50,000, the American Resort Development Association donated $25,000 and Tennessee’s Stephen South, who runs for-profit colleges, gave $20,000.
Renner’s other political committee, Florida Foundation for Liberty, brought in $7,000 in new money, including $5,000 from Associated Industries of Florida. That account has roughly $205,000 on hand.
Renner also raised more than $12,000 to his campaign account, with political committees associated with anesthesiologists, dentists and podiatrists all donating in November. That account has nearly $54,000 on hand.
Renner has drawn a Primary challenger, though it is uncertain if that opponent ultimately will qualify for the ballot.
Palm Coast’s Timothy Sharp opened his campaign account in September. November saw the first financial activity, a meager $17.76 raised, buoyed by a $1,121 personal loan.
The Florida Legislature is currently in the early stages of its once-a-decade redistricting process. New maps will change the boundaries of Renner’s district. However, it is hard to envision a map that makes Renner’s seat anything other than a safe Republican hold given the demographics of the region. Renner’s robust fundraising advantage also seems to ensure his position.
There is, however, still plenty of time for candidates to emerge. Qualifying for the Primary Election in August runs from June 13 through June 17, 2022.
