Politics
Darren McAuley passes $530K in donations, flying past Dem field in CD 15
Darren McAuley continues to outpace the Democratic Primary field as the party makes a run at flipping Florida’s 15th Congressional District blue.
The veteran Air National Guardsman has now raised more than $530,000 in his bid to unseat GOP U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee. Of that total, $194,000 was raised over the first three months of 2026.
“I’m deeply grateful to the thousands of supporters who have joined our fight and see it as a sign that people are fed up with Laurel Lee and the corporate donors she represents,” McAuley said,
McAuley announced his totals a day after Democratic opponent Kimberly Overman reported raising just over $51,000 in the quarter to bring her total to more than $127,000 raised. No other Democrat has announced fundraising totals in six figures yet.
But McAuley’s campaign also noted Overman wrapped the quarter with just over $5,100 cash on hand. Meanwhile, McAuley started April with $265,000 still in the bank, more than 50 times as much in available resources.
The challenger also said he raised money from more small donors while Lee relied on major campaign contributors. Detailed financial reports for both campaigns should become available on Wednesday.
“I’m deeply grateful to the thousands of supporters who have joined our fight and see it as a sign that people are fed up with Laurel Lee and the corporate donors she represents,” McAuley said.
“Laurel Lee has taken more money from Florida Power & Light lobbyists than any other member of Congress while Tampa Bay families suffer through the largest utility rate hike in history. She has spent her career cozying up to the exact corporations bleeding us dry. That ends when we win this race.”
Democratic political leaders in Tampa Bay also have started rallying around McAuley, with the campaign announcing an endorsement from state Rep. Dianne Hart, a Tampa Democrat.
“I’m proud to support Darren McAuley because he has the experience and character to represent us in Washington,” Hart said. “From his work as a physician with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to his leadership in the Florida Air National Guard, Darren has dedicated his life to serving others. I have full confidence in his commitment to our community and his ability to deliver real results for the people of Hillsborough County.”
McAuley embraced that support.
“Representative Hart has been a tireless advocate for our community, and I’m grateful for her trust,” McAuley said. “Working families across Hillsborough County are feeling the squeeze of rising costs, and they deserve a representative who will take their fight to Washington. I’ll work every day to lower costs, protect access to healthcare, and stop the chaos and corruption in D.C.”