Rep. Michael Owen raised $93,000 during the first quarter of 2026 through his political committee, Common Sense Conservatives, according to recently filed campaign finance reports.
The fundraising came as Owen advanced a slate of high-profile local measures during the Legislative Session, including proposals to overhaul the Hillsborough County Commission, shift the School Superintendent to an elected position and establish a new stewardship district in southern Hillsborough — all of which could ultimately be decided by voters if the measures are signed by the Governor.
The latest haul builds on an already substantial fundraising base. Owen’s committee brought in roughly more than $281,000 throughout 2025 alone, reflecting significant donor support as he works through his first term in the House. His campaign account added a more modest $6,100 during the first quarter of this year, but it pushes total fundraising through the candidate account to just under $172,000 since December 2024.
Owen’s latest report continues a steady upward trajectory in his fundraising operation, with the committee posting some of its strongest gains in the latter half of last year. Campaign finance filings show more than $130,000 raised between July and September, followed by another $100,000-plus haul in the final quarter of 2025.
Owen is also currently set to face a familiar opponent. Democrat Luther Keith Wilkins has filed to challenge Owen in HD 70. With no other candidates currently filed, that sets up a General Election rematch from 2024 — a race that Owen won with nearly 59% of the vote. But the field could still change ahead of qualifying.
Wilkins’ campaign has reported raising just $50 through the first quarter of the year, a stark contrast to the incumbent’s growing financial advantage as he prepares for re-election.
