Earle Ford self-reports $400K raised for CD 13 bid to unseat Anna Paulina Luna

Earle Ford says he has raised more than $400,000 from more than 12,500 individual donors in his bid for Florida’s 13th Congressional District.

His campaign says internal polling also puts the Democratic candidate within 3 percentage points of incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, whom Ford hopes to challenge in the General Election this November.

Ford’s campaign did not provide additional details on its internal polling.

His announcement comes just days after a ninth Democrat, retired Army Brigadier General Leela Gray, entered the race to at least some fanfare.

Ford’s campaign finance numbers are self-reported, as finance records currently available through the Federal Election Commission only cover activity through Dec. 31, and show just over $144,000 raised, including a $10,000 candidate loan.

That still puts Ford ahead of the Democratic pack early in the Primary campaign, and offers a benchmark for Gray and others to reach. It also portends a competitive Primary.

“These numbers tell a powerful story,” Ford said. “We’re seeing an enormous groundswell of support from people all across this district — working families, veterans, young voters, and folks who are tired of politicians who are in it for the wrong reasons. This campaign is about service, accountability, and putting people first, and voters are clearly responding.”

Ford says his campaign is focusing on grassroots organizing and community engagement, and is emphasizing small-dollar contributions. Ford says he is not relying on funds from political committees or special interests.

“With this level of support and a race this close, it’s clear that FL-13 is ready for change,” Ford added. “We’re building a campaign that can win because it’s rooted in the voices and values of the people who live here.”

Like Gray, Ford is also a U.S. Army veteran. Ford served as an infantryman, where he trained soldiers to execute missions safely. He also worked for the IRS auditing taxpayers, including billionaires, his campaign says, which showed him “how a rigged system protects the ultrawealthy while leaving working families behind.”

Ford’s campaign platform centers on serving Pinellas County families through access to affordable health care, better hurricane preparedness and response, higher wages, increased labor rights and holding the wealthiest Americans accountable.

All of the Democratic candidates have an uphill battle in the race. The district is heavily conservative, with just 29% of the electorate registered as Democrats, compared to nearly 40% who are Republicans, according to the most recent L2 voter data.

And the incumbent, Luna, had raised nearly $1.7 million as of Dec. 31, and retains more than $1 million of that.