Florida Gov. Rick Scott raised $3.2 million in the first three weeks of his bid for the Senate against Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
Many expected Scott’s campaign to be a fundraising juggernaut. Scott has delivered, raising close to Nelson’s total during the first three months of 2018 after announcing his bid on April 9.
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“It is clear that Americans are ready to see a change in Washington,” Scott said in a statement. “I appreciate the support of everyone who has helped us reach this incredible announcement today, but this is just the start. I look forward to continuing to tell Floridians why we need to get rid of the career politicians and make Washington work for us.”
The $3.2 million total comprises only individual contributions and does not include any from Scott himself. Scott, a multi-millionaire, contributed $73 million to his 2010 bid for the Florida governorship, and another $13 million on his 2014 re-election bid.
The news is a boost to Republicans and a shot across the bow at Nelson, who Republicans view as increasingly vulnerable with Scott in the contest. The GOP believes Nelson, who is running for a fourth term, has never had to face a formidable challenger such as Scott.
The two-term governor is hoping to raise $110 million, in what could eclipse the 2016 Pennsylvania Senate contest as the most expensive Senate race in history.
