When I entered the race for Florida's 12th Congressional District, I knew I wasn't just taking on one entrenched incumbent; I was joining a larger movement: to turn every corner of Florida blue. Thanks to Blue 140 and the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, this year Democratic candidates are taking on Republicans in nearly every traditionally Republican red district throughout the state, and the ripple effect is massive. The Democrats are running in every Congressional, Local House, and Local Senate race, forcing Republicans to defend everywhere, siphon resources, and dull the broader Trump strategy in key swing states.
By having Democratic candidates in nearly every red district, Republicans in Florida have had to respond with a significant spending surge. According to OpenSecrets, Republicans are spending close to $20 million to defend what they previously considered safe seats—very likely a direct result of being challenged by Democrats. Every dollar they allocate in their districts is a dollar they’re not able to divert toward Trump in swing states where tight margins make all the difference.
In Florida alone, incumbents like my congressional opponent Gus Bilirakis (an election denier and Trump supporter), who raised over $1.6 million, are being forced to use these funds at home rather than saving for future campaigns or funneling resources to Trump’s swing-state efforts. In District 21, my friend and fellow Gen Z, Thomas Wiktop, is heavily draining Republican Congressman Brian Mast of great sums as well.
This financial drain goes beyond a single district; candidates across the board are facing the need to fund ads, mailers, and outreach to secure seats that once felt like safe bets. And we’re not letting up!
Kamala Harris has a massive lead over Trump in finances, and Trump needs every penny he can get to challenge the Vice President. However, we are doing everything we can to prevent even a dime from leaving Florida. Those electoral votes in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and the rest will have as little Florida Republican money as possible.
These last few days in the election are key. For every dollar we raise, we can reach over 50 potential voters in District 12 through canvassing, phone calls, and texting. If you want to help our efforts to keep Gus Bilirakis and the rest of his cronies spending in Florida, consider donating to my campaign here.
secure.actblue.com/...
Every penny spent here is worth many times over it’s investment.
