Nick Pachota flexes fundraising, first responder support in HD 74 bid

Venice Mayor Nick Pachota continues to build up his campaign coffers, and has earned additional support from first responders in the competitive Republican Primary for House District 74.

Pachota announced that his campaign has raised just over $243,500 through his official campaign account, with another $135,000 raised through his political committee, Friends of Nick Pachota. Combined, that puts his fundraising haul at about $379,000 as the race to succeed term-limited Rep. James Buchanan creeps closer toward the GOP Primary.

The campaign announced what it described as “a near-complete sweep of first responder endorsements” in the district, including support from the Suncoast Professional Firefighters and Paramedics, the Florida Professional Firefighters, the Florida Police Benevolent Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the International Union of Police Associations, and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 57.  

Those groups add to previous endorsements by Sarasota Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, the Sarasota Area Medical PAC and Buchanan, who endorsed Pachota as his successor-of-choice early this year.

“I’m honored by the support local businesses, neighbors, and front-line heroes have shown our campaign,” Pachota said in a statement announcing the support. 

“Our message of cutting taxes, lowering property insurance premiums, supporting first responders, and defending our second amendment rights and all constitutional freedoms is resonating across the district and I’m excited for the 70 days between now and the Primary Election,” Pachota said.

The Primary is already hard-fought, with multiple candidates taking significant strides forward as the race moves along. Pachota is heavily funded and well endorsed, and entered the race with early support from the seat’s incumbent.

Meanwhile Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has endorsed Kelly Ann Walker, giving her a high-profile statewide Republican ally as well. Walker has also reported strong financial gains, previously showing about $258,000 in cash on hand between her campaign account and affiliated political committee as of the most recent reporting period.

Jennifer Winkler, a Sarasota business owner, has reported $150,000 raised in her bid for the open seat as well. Her campaign has leaned into affordability, insurance costs and her small-business background. The Republican field also includes Chris Felder and Les Nichols. Democrat Nancy M. H. Simpson is also running.

Term-limited, Buchanan has represented HD 74 since 2018 and is now running for Senate District 22 — leaving behind an open seat expected to remain favorable to Republicans. 

Pachota has focused his campaign for the seat on public safety, tax cuts, insurance costs and conservative priorities. Before serving as Venice Mayor, he worked in emergency services as an EMT, paramedic, firefighter and SWAT medic.

He is also a co-owner of the Venice Pier Group, which includes Sharky’s on the Pier, Fins at Sharky’s, Siesta Beach Eats on Siesta Key and The Nest at Bay Park in Sarasota. He graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School and teaches emergency medical services courses at schools in North Port, Sarasota and Venice.

The GOP Primary is scheduled for Aug. 18, with the General Election to follow in November.