Kelly Ann Walker opens HD 74 race with strong fundraising as GOP Primary field takes shape

Republican House District 74 candidate Kelly Ann Walker reported a strong first fundraising quarter, announcing more than $250,000 in cash on hand as the campaign heads into the 2026 election year.

She aims to succeed term-limited Sarasota state Rep. James Buchanan, who has endorsed one of her opponents, Nick Pachota, in a crowded GOP Primary.

Walker said both her campaign committee and an affiliated political action committee posted “impressive fundraising totals, positioning the campaign strongly heading into the election year.”

“This incredible outpouring of support shows that Sarasota families are ready for principled, conservative leadership in Tallahassee,” Walker said in a statement. “I’m beyond grateful to every supporter who believes in our mission to protect freedom, strengthen our economy, and stand up for the values that make Florida great.”

Walker faces Pachota, Chris Felder, Les Nichols and Jennifer Winkler during the Primary, with the victor running against Nancy M. H. Simpson during the General Election unless another Democrat files to oppose her. Pachota has raised $89,035, Felder has raised $2,782, and Winkler has raised $18,695 as of September, while Nichols has raised $6,937 as of December, according to their most recent reports. Simpson has not raised any funds.

Walker has centered her early outreach on fiscal responsibility, public safety, parental rights, veterans and military families, agriculture and small-business support.

“We’re well-positioned to run a powerful, focused, disciplined, and competitive campaign and take our message directly to voters across the district,” Walker said.

Walker, who moved to Florida in 2005, grew up in Manatee County and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and an MBA from Stetson University. Her professional background includes work in Washington, D.C., where she worked in the House for U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan and Greg Steube, as well as in roles on Republican political campaigns.

Locally, Walker serves as Secretary of the Sarasota-Manatee Young Republicans and sits on the board of Central Florida Warriors Hockey, a nonprofit that supports disabled veterans. She remains actively engaged with the community, “working alongside veterans, families, small businesses, and Florida’s farmers to defend conservative values.”

Now term-limited, James Buchanan running for the Senate District 22 seat to replace term-limited Sen. Joe Gruters, leaving the HD 74 seat open. Gruters, meanwhile, now serves as Chair of the Republican National Committee.