Jennifer Winkler reports more than $105K raised as HD 74 GOP Primary intensifies

Republican House District 74 candidate Jennifer Winkler is reporting a sharp uptick in fundraising as the GOP Primary field continues to take shape.

Winkler announced that she has raised nearly $105,000 between her campaign account and her affiliated political committee, Friends of Jennifer Winkler, since entering the race. That total includes roughly $50,000 raised during the fourth quarter of 2025, according to figures released by the campaign.

Winkler’s campaign brought in nearly $26,000 during the final quarter of the year, while her political committee raised just over $24,000. Winkler’s campaign said she has now surpassed the $105,000 mark heading into 2026.

“I am truly humbled by the incredible support and financial backing from so many friends and neighbors across our community,” Winkler said in a statement.

“Together, we have a clear mandate to keep Florida’s economy charging ahead while working to keep housing and insurance costs down for our residents. This campaign is all about connecting with every corner of our community and earning the trust of those looking for an effective representative in Tallahassee, and we are just getting started!”

Winkler is seeking the Republican nomination for HD 74. The seat will be open in 2026 due to incumbent James Buchanan facing term limits. Buchanan has filed to run for Senate District 22 that will be vacated by Sen. Joe Gruters, who is term-limited himself and recently took up the mantle as Chair of the Republican National Committee.

Winkler joins a crowded GOP Primary field that includes Kelly Ann Walker, Nick Pachota, Chris Felder and Les Nichols. Walker recently reported more than $250,000 cash on hand between her campaign and committee. Pachota has raised $89,035 as of September, while Felder has raised $3,883 and added $1,300 in loans. Nichols has raised $6,937 and taken $4,250 in loans as of December. That’s all according to their most recent reports or news releases.

Buchanan has already endorsed Pachota in the race.

The district spans communities across Sarasota County, including Sarasota, North Port and Venice. Republicans make up roughly half of registered voters in the district, with Democrats accounting for about 23% and the remainder registered as unaffiliated or with minor parties.

Winkler owns and operates The Peeples Insurance Agency, an independent insurance business she founded in 2014. Her campaign has emphasized small-business experience, workforce development, housing affordability and health care costs. She has lived in Sarasota County since 2010, is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, and “is the proud mom of two sons, Logan and Luke.”

The winner of the Republican Primary will advance to the General Election, where Democrat Nancy M. H. Simpson has filed, though additional candidates could still enter the race.