Political fundraising grinds to a halt for FL’s top politicos during COVID-19 pandemic

Like it shut down Florida’s economy, the COVID-19 outbreak has had a similar impact on fundraising for the state’s top politicians.

There was little money-raising activity for Gov. Ron DeSantis and the three Florida Cabinet members in April, new financial reports show.

The Republican governor’s political committee — Friends of Ron DeSantis – only collected $317 in April, with most of that involving an interest payment on invested funds.

In contrast, DeSantis’ committee raised $1.8 million in the first three months of 2020, with a high of $714,924 collected in January, the report shows.

Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody’s political committee – Friends of Ashley Moody — reported no contributions in April, compared to $57,500 raised in the first three months of 2020, the report shows.

Republican Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis’ political committee — Treasure Florida — also reported no contributions in April. His committee raised $125,500 in the first three months of 2020.

Democratic Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried’s political committee — Florida Consumers First — has not filed its report for April as of early Monday afternoon. Fried’s committee raised $263,000 through the first three months of 2020.