Keith Gross loans his campaign $4.9M in Q2, continues to dominate Republican CD 2 field in cash

Federal Election Commission filings show Panama City Beach businessman Keith Gross pumped almost $5 million into his congressional campaign between April 1 and June 30.

That brings his total money collected to $10.6 million, almost all of which has been self-funded. He has spent $6.6 million, mostly on TV, radio and billboard ads.

Other expenditures include more than $34,000 Gross spent on a poll by Cygnal that showed him leading the GOP field with 46% support. 

Excluding loans to himself, most of Gross’ contributions come from New York, New Jersey and other out-of-state donors.

Gross is running to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, but faces seven other Republicans, including Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power, in a Primary.

Power posted the next-strongest second quarter, raising $274,000 and spending $200,000 between April and June. He has the most donations of $200 and under and reports $372,000 in cash on hand.

Austin Rogers, former counsel to U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, raised $238,000, bringing his total haul to $960,000 since joining the race. He spent $321,000 last quarter, leaving him with $592,000. Rogers raised $128,000 from businesses and individuals in Illinois during February and March, though most of his second-quarter contributions were from Florida donors.

Gulf County Schools Superintendent Jim Norton raised more than $121,000 and spent $291,000, leaving him with $89,000 in cash on hand. Combat veteran Luke Murphy raised $87,000 but has $158,000 in remaining funds.

Former Walton County Chief Deputy Audie Rowell has just $22,000 cash on hand after raising $13,000 and spending $76,000 last quarter.

Two late GOP entrants, businessman Nick Lewis and pilot Lee Jones, bring up the rear. Lewis has spent all but $2,000 of the $94,000 he contributed to his own campaign.

The Primary is Aug. 18. The Republican nominee will face the winner of a four-way Democratic Primary between Yen Bailey, Brice Barnes, Amanda Green and Nic Zateslo.

Democrats last won the Panhandle district in 2014 when Gwen Graham was their nominee, but feel emboldened by a favorable national climate and recent polls showing a tighter-than-expected race.