Byron Donalds war chest grows to more than $31M

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds raised another $9.2 million during the third quarter as he campaigns for Governor.

That brings the Naples Republican’s haul since launching in March to roughly $31.5 million.

“By every metric, Byron Donalds is the dominant force in the Governor’s race,” said Ryan Smith, Donalds’ Campaign Manager.

“With his broad conservative grassroots support, record-setting fundraising, and wide lead in the polls, Byron Donalds is criss-crossing Florida and taking his winning message to every corner of the state. Byron Donalds will be our next governor because he is the proven conservative fighter President Trump and Floridians trust to lead the Sunshine State.”

More than $8 million of Donalds’ quarterly haul went to his Friends of Byron Donalds PAC, which faces no limits on contributions. Detailed reports are not yet available on the $1.2 million donated to Donalds’ candidate account.

But regarding the political committee, donations include some significant Florida power players. That includes The Seminole Tribe of Florida, which gave the biggest donation of the quarter with a $1 million check in August. Two committees controlled by Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez also gave a combined $1 million.

Fourshore Three, a private equity firm based in Coral Gables, gave $500,000 to the committee, while CDR Enterprises companies gave more than $255,000.

Club for Growth Florida, which previously helped Donalds win his seat in Congress, gave $175,000 in the quarter. That’s notable, as the conservative power player endorsed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign in 2018.

Utility company TECO Holdings gave $125,000. Three Florida political committees chaired by William Jones — North Florida Patriots, Growing Florida’s Economy, and A Bold Florida Future — each gave $150,000.

Sankesh Abbhi, founder and managing partner of Miami equity firm Abbhi Capitol, gave $100,000. So did construction executive Christian LaFace, while his companies Florida Asphalt Contracts and Ripa & Associates also gave similar six-figure amounts. Florida Trust also donated $100,000.

Other prominent individual contributors also appear on the donor list.

Lawyer Richard Cole gave $50,000, as did Marty Davis of interior design firm Excelsior. Tennessee auctioneer Willis Johnson wrote a check for $50,000.

Beau Wrigley, a venture capitalist behind cannabis company Parallel, gave $47,000 to the committee.

John Paulson, founder of investment management firm Paulson Capital, gave $25,000. Waste Management executive Anthony Lomangino did the same.

Texas political donor Ray Washburne also put $25,000 toward the committee, as did Miami Beach real estate agent Howard Lorber.

The campaign reminded voters that Donalds boasts President Donald Trump’s support. Other backers include U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Chair of House Republican Leadership Elise Stefanik and Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain.