Politics
Kelly Ann Walker committee accuses Jennifer Winkler of offering ex-husband ‘hush money’ totaling $150K
The Republican Primary for House District 74 took a deeply personal turn as a political committee supporting Kelly Ann Walker accused rival Jennifer Winkler of offering her ex-husband $150,000 and a vehicle to keep quiet as she campaigns for office.
Friends of Kelly Ann Walker sent voters a text declaring that “Jennifer Winkler offers hush money to ex-husband” and accusing Winkler of trying to “BRIBE” him.
The message included a screenshot claiming to show texts from Winkler — which the Walker PC said were sent to her ex-husband — outlining three $50,000 payments tied to milestones in her campaign.
“Stick it out til primary, walk away with money. Go now, end up with nothing,” one purported text message reads.
Another lays out what it calls a “deal,” saying the recipient would receive $50,000 if Winkler made it to the August Primary “without incident,” another $50,000 if she advanced to the November General Election and another $50,000 if she wins the race. The screenshot also references a vehicle, legal fees, health insurance, debts and personal property.
Florida Politics has not independently authenticated the messages. Winkler’s ex-husband declined comment on this story, citing ongoing marital litigation.
Winkler’s campaign blasted the attack for dragging her divorce into the campaign.
“The fact that candidate Kelly Ann Walker would try to insert herself into a couple’s private divorce is despicable and speaks to Walker’s level of immaturity and unfitness for office,” consultant Tanner Warwick of Rapid Loop Consulting told Florida Politics in response.
The Friends of Kelly Ann Walker committee characterized the exchange as an attempt to suppress damaging information before the election.
“Jennifer Winkler is OFFERING HUSH MONEY to her ex-husband to not discuss their messy divorce before the Election,” the text reads.
The committee said it has “the texts, the pictures, and the records” and promised additional material Thursday.
“More to come tomorrow,” the message told voters.
The attack marks a sharp escalation with less than a week remaining before the Aug. 18 Republican Primary.
Walker and Winkler are among four Republicans seeking to succeed term-limited Rep. James Buchanan, along with Les Nichols and Venice Mayor Nick Pachota. The winner will face Democrat Ryan Neill in November.
The heavily Republican district covers eastern Sarasota County. Buchanan won re-election there with 64% of the vote in 2024.
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