Democrats far behind in money race

DeSantis has raised far more than the three leading Democratic contenders for governor combined. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist and state Sen. Annette Taddeo are among those squaring off in the Aug. 23 Democratic primary.

Crist, who is leading the Democratic money race, has raised $8.2 million. Unlike DeSantis, Democratic contenders will have to expend some of what they garner battling in the primary.

Eric Johnson, a Democratic political strategist, said DeSantis’ national prominence and polarizing nature will help Democrats raise money once a nominee is chosen.

“The same reason DeSantis has been able to raise $100 million because he is a darling of the national Republican Party is probably the same reason why once there is a nominee they’ll be able to raise national dollars,” he said. A bigger factor in the race could be how Floridians feel about the economy and Biden’s performance as president, and Democrats need wins at the national level to better their chances in the governor’s race, Johnson said.

Money isn’t everything, but it often is a good indicator of a politician’s strength, said Wagner, the political scientist.

“Money doesn’t guarantee victory, but the absence of it makes it very, very hard to win,” he said.