Republican House candidate Kelly Ann Walker is reporting more than $300,000 in cash on hand as she continues to build early momentum in the crowded race for House District 74.
Walker is among a number of Republicans campaigning to succeed term-limited Rep. James Buchanan in a GOP Primary that has drawn multiple well-funded contenders. Her campaign said strong fundraising reflects continued support from “local patriots, small business owners, and conservative leaders” for Walker’s bid for office.
“Floridians are proving once again that when we stand together for faith, family, and freedom, there’s nothing the radical left can do to stop us,” Walker said. “Our MAGA movement in Sarasota County is growing every single day because people are fed up with the woke agenda, the attacks on our values, and the failures of the left — and they’re ready to put America First. Always.”
Walker’s announcement comes as the HD 74 contest shapes up as a competitive GOP Primary, with Chris Felder, Les Nichols, Venice Mayor Nick Pachota and Jennifer Winkler also in the race.
Buchanan, who currently holds the seat, has endorsed Pachota, but Walker and other candidates have racked up competitive endorsements and fundraising support of their own. Walker was recently endorsed by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a key endorsement that shows support for her campaign among respected conservative leaders.
There’s also a competitive Primary on the Democratic side, with Ryan Neill facing Nancy M. H. Simpson, who challenged Buchanan last cycle. There is still time for other candidates to file for the race as well.
Walker’s campaign is focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety, parental rights, veterans issues and support for agriculture and small businesses.
A New York native who moved to Florida in 2005 and was raised in Manatee County, Walker graduated from Stetson University and previously worked for U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan and Greg Steube. She currently serves as Secretary of the Sarasota-Manatee Young Republicans and sits on the board of a nonprofit supporting disabled veterans called Central Florida Warriors Hockey.
House District 74, which covers much of Sarasota County, leans heavily Republican, meaning the GOP Primary will likely determine Buchanan’s successor.
