Rep. Kevin Steele (R-Dade City) announced a $5 million personal investment this week into his statewide campaign to become Florida's next chief financial officer (CFO), saying the contribution underscores his "commitment to fighting for Florida families and bringing real accountability to state government" through a campaign release.
“Florida families deserve leaders who are personally invested in delivering results, not just talking about them,” Steele said in a statement. “Floridians are paying too much in property taxes and property insurance, while government continues to grow and waste taxpayer dollars. That has to change.”
Rep. Steele, who announced his run in November 2025, highlighted his success as an entrepreneur, decades of business experience, and ability to cut waste and maximize efficiency in his pitch for the position, saying he would treat "every dollar with care and respect."
He also promised to lower property taxes, address property insurance costs, and enforce stronger oversight on state agencies to ensure transparency and accountability if elected. Notably, Steele introduced a bill to help eliminate property taxes on homestead properties for the upcoming legislative session.
“When you run a business, you look at every dollar as your own,” said Steele. “Taxpayer dollars should be treated with the same respect. As a public servant, I will focus on reducing government spending, eliminating waste, and protecting those who fund this government – the taxpayers.”
Steele is running against current CFO Blaise Ingoglia and "Shark Tank" entrepreneur John Smith in the November election. Ingoglia, Steele's likely main competitor, announced his run for a full term as CFO last September.
“This campaign is about fighting for Floridians, not special interests,” Steele added. “I’m all in because Florida’s future is worth it.”
Steele was elected to the House in 2022 and reelected in 2024, winning both races with relative ease over Charles Hacker Jr. and Judy Freiberg.
