Liesa Priddy collects $151K for HD 82 run, earns endorsement from Drew Montez-Clark

Rancher Liesa Priddy has quickly amassed more than $150,000 in the race for House District 82.

The Immokalee Republican announced her totals the same day Primary opponent Drew Montez-Clark dropped out of the race and endorsed her.

In the six weeks since entering the race to succeed Rep. Lauren Melo, Priddy reported just over $103,000 in outside contributions, plus a $48,000 loan.

“With 160 individual donations she also proved that her support is deep and wide,” reads a release from Priddy’s campaign.

Priddy also touted endorsements from the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the Florida Dairy Farmers, important interests as she runs in an agrarian district.

Priddy has also been endorsed by Reps. Adam Botana and Yvette Benarroch, as well as former Reps. Matt Hudson and Joe Spratt. LaBelle City Commissioner Barbara Spratt, Everglades City Mayor Howie Grimm and Everglades City Councilman Mike McComas also endorsed Priddy, as did Collier County School Board member Timothy Moshier and Hendry County School Board member Amanda Nelson

Montez-Clark, who also ran against Melo the last time the seat was open in 2020, said conversations with sitting lawmakers and elected officials convinced him this isn’t the cycle to pursue the open seat.

“I do not chase titles, I pursue purpose. My life has always been about walking the path that God has ordained. Every decision I make is with the well-being of our district, our state, and our country at the forefront. And while I will not be on the ballot, I am not going anywhere. There is still much work to be done, especially in defending Faith, Family, and Constitutional Freedom,” Montez-Clark said.

“With that in mind, I am fully endorsing and placing my support behind Liesa Priddy for Florida House District 82. I’ve had thoughtful and thorough conversations with Liesa, and I believe she will represent our district and our shared conservative values with integrity, strength, and conviction, with our support, of course!”

Priddy still faces real estate broker Bill Poteet and LaBelle Clerk Commissioner Hugo Vargas in a Republican Primary next year. Poteet has raised more than $32,000 in his official campaign account, plus another $1,000 in his political committee, Friends of Bill Poteet. Vargas has reported almost $13,000 in contributions in his campaign account, along with $8,500 via a political committee, Friends of Hugo Vargas.

Melo is running for Senate instead of seeking another term.