Super PAC supporting Austin Rogers announces $500K haul

The Panhandle Patriots PAC aligned with Republican congressional candidate Austin Rogers has raised $500,000, the group told POLITICO.

The Panama City native and veteran of U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s staff in Washington announced his campaign launch last month, shortly after U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn announced he would not seek another term.

The super PAC launched on Feb. 13, raising funds independent of Rogers. Treasurer Cassidy King filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission.

Rogers just left a position on Scott’s staff as he seeks federal office. Rogers had worked as the Senator’s General Counsel since July.

The super PAC funding is on top of $550,000 the candidate said he has raised to run in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District.

“From Bay County to Lafayette County, this campaign is about standing up for the real Florida — for our faith, our freedom and our conservative values,” Rogers said when he announced his own fundraising.

“In just two weeks, we’ve seen incredible support and momentum from hardworking folks across the district. Floridians want a true conservative who is ready to deliver on Trump’s America First agenda on day one. I’m grateful for the strong support from our district, and I look forward to keeping this momentum heading into this election.”

Rogers served as Chief Counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee under the leadership of U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, and before that under U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican.

The super PAC intends to spend on voter outreach, advertising and grassroots efforts.

Because most candidates filed only after Dunn announced his retirement earlier this year, no Republicans have to file fundraising reports until April.

Other Republicans in the race include Keith Gross, Nick Lewis, Luke Murphy, Jim Norton, Evan Power and Audie Rowell.