Keith Gross reports more than $5M cash on hand, mostly from his own pocket

Panama City lawyer Keith Gross closed the first quarter of 2026 with $5.1 million in cash on hand to run for Congress. His campaign also said it has polling showing an edge over Republican competitors for the open seat.

The Republican was the first candidate in a crowded field to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. Gross is now the first GOP candidate to file Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports in the race. Those show he reported nearly $5.7 million in funds since launching his campaign in January.

Most of that comes out of Gross’ pocket, with the former U.S. Senate candidate’s campaign now reporting over $8 million in campaign debt. That includes $5.54 million in loans from Gross to the campaign made at the end of March.

But he also netted about $79,000 in outside contributions. That includes $5,000 from a political committee tied to former Panama City Beach Mayor Mark Sheldon. Another $2,000 comes from a campaign committee for John Frankman, who ran for Congress in Florida’s 1st Congressional District last year in a Special Election last year but lost to now-U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis.

“I’m not running to be owned by lobbyists, DC insiders or the establishment,” Gross said. “This campaign belongs to the hardworking families of the Panhandle — not the career politicians cutting deals behind closed doors. I can’t be bought, and I won’t be bought.”

That comes off as a direct slight to Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power, also a candidate in the CD 2 Republican Primary. Austin Rogers, a longtime Senate staffer who most recently worked as General Counsel for U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, also seeks the nomination.

Business owner Nick Lewis, Purple Heart veteran Luke Murphy, retired Washington County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Audie Rowell and Gulf County Superintendent of Schools Jim Norton have all filed for the GOP nomination as well.

Gross’ campaign said a March poll from Cygnal also puts him in the lead — at least with an informed ballot. The campaign says its internal poll shows him with greater than 46% support with everyone else in single digits and 40% of voters undecided.

That could be thanks to early investments made by the campaign to get Gross’ name recognition up. FEC reports show he spent more than $518,000 in the first three months of 2026.

“Our community is sick and tired of career politicians and insiders lining their own pockets while Florida families struggle with inflation and uncertainty,” Gross said. “We need a true conservative outsider who’s built businesses, served in uniform, and who can bring business experience to deliver results — not another puppet of the swamp, whether it’s in DC or right here at home.”

He has touted a lifetime National Rifle Association membership and an America First platform.

“I’m in this to serve the voters, fight for our veterans, pass common sense conservative laws, and get results — not cut backroom deals once I’m in Congress. The establishment doesn’t own me,” Gross said.