Jennifer Winkler reports $230K total haul in race to succeed James Buchanan

Republican Jennifer Winkler is reporting more than $230,000 raised in her bid for House District 74 to replace term-limited Republican Rep. James Buchanan.

The total includes money raised through her campaign account and her affiliated political committee, Friends of Jennifer Winkler. It marks another step forward for Winkler, who reported $190,000 in combined fundraising last month. 

“As we pass 50 days to go in this election, I am honored by the continued support for our campaign from the local community,” Winkler said. 

“In Tallahassee, I will fight to make Florida affordable again by lowering insurance rates and eliminating property taxes on homeowners. We are using our resources to engage voters at the doorstep, in their mailboxes, on TV, and elsewhere. My team and I are working night and day to earn the support of Sarasota County voters on August 18.” 

Winkler is running in a Sarasota County-based district where the GOP nominee will be heavily favored. She faces Les Nichols, Venice Mayor Nick Pachota and Kelly Ann Walker in a competitive GOP Primary. The winner faces Democrat Ryan Neill during the General Election.

Winkler’s campaign has focused on affordability, insurance costs, public safety, schools, workforce development and other conservative priorities, with her campaign website highlighting her focus on “lower costs, safer communities and stronger schools.”

Her campaign has also rolled out endorsements from Sen. Tom Leek, the Sarasota MAGA Patriots, and Pastor Tom Laipply of Foundation Church in North Port. Leek, an Ormond Beach Republican, served in the House from 2016 to 2024 and chaired the powerful House Appropriations Committee before he was elected to the Senate.

Winkler owns and operates The Peeples Insurance Agency, an independent agency she founded in 2014. The business operates three Florida locations, employs more than 20 full-time staff members and serves more than 6,500 clients statewide, according to her campaign.

Born in Maine and raised in Vero Beach, Winkler graduated from the University of Central Florida and has lived in Sarasota County since 2010. 

Her campaign biography highlights her community involvement, including leadership with the Myakka Valley Ranches Improvement Association, Suncoast Insurance Professionals and local Republican organizations.

The Primary is scheduled for Aug. 18.