Central Florida Republicans Raise Big Cash to Replace Stephanie Murphy

The Republican congressional primary race to replace retiring Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D) in Florida’s 7^th Congressional District is heating up, this as the top three contenders in the crowded primary race —Navy Seal Brady Duke, Rep. Anthony Sabatini, Combat Veteran Cory Mills—have all reported raising over $700,000 for their respective campaigns.

Brady Duke—The former Navy Seal raised an impressive $901,228.81 to end the year, but his overall burn rate is hovering around 60% after posting that $522,436.96 went to campaign costs.

Duke is raising the bulk of his money by sending out fundraising mail in what is known as a “smoke and mirrors” approach to fundraising. According to his FEC report, Duke has $378,491.85 cash on hand.

Endorsements—SEAL PAC

Rep. Anthony Sabatini—The firebrand legislator and former Democrat-turned-Republican from Central Florida doesn’t appear to be sending out fundraising mail like Duke, rather he’s focusing on online fundraising. Sabatini has reported raising $733,149.94 after Q4, and has $468,852.04 cash on hand.

Endorsements—Sen. Rand Paul, Reps. Matt Gaetz, Paul Gosar, Marjorie Taylor Green, and Madison Cawthorne.

Cory Mills—After getting back from rescuing an American family in Afghanistan, the former combat Army veteran appears to have gotten his amebic campaign fundraising on track.

Mills has reported total receipts of $759,611.70 with $566,657.55 cash on hand. Of the nearly $760K he raised, $641,500 is his. Mills has loaned his campaign the overwhelming majority of the money he has brought it but it looks as if he started fundraising in the last quarter of the year.

Endorsements—U.S. Reps. Jim Jordan, Brian Mast, Greg Steube, Ronny Jackson, Brian Babin, MarkWayne Mullin, John Rutherford, Neal Dunn, Pete Sessions, Gus Bilirakis, Troy Nehls, Jim Banks, and Beth Van Duyne.

Erika Benfield—The former Mayor of DeBary has raised $114, 511.72. Of that amount, $75,283.04 is in the bank, with $52,500 of that amount coming in the form of a personal loan.

Endorsements—Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Volusia County School Board member Jamie Haynes, and Seminole County School Board member Amy Pennock.

Joseph Cavagna—Raised $11,888.32. $0 cash on hand

Jeremy Liggett—Raised $28,297.38. Only $915.84 is in the bank.

Scott Sturgill—Has not reported.