Alian Collazo has major support from a state senator
In the Florida House 115 Republican primary to replace State Rep. Alina Garcia, who is running for Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections, the Tampa transplant put in the race by a state senator is leading in fundraising over Miami-Dade Fire Capt. Omar Blanco, according to the campaign finance reports filed this week with the Florida Division of Elections.
But Alian Collazo — who just changed his voter’s registration from an address in Largo to the home of Sen. Alexis Calatayud in February — raised $52,488 in his campaign coffers, including maximum $1,000 checks from 12 PACs, 10 lobbyists and a few other interested parties like Calatayud’s consultant Alex Miranda, and a whopping $142,800 in his political action committee, Protecting the American Dream. Of that total, $50,000 comes from Vision and Integrity for Florida, Calatyud’s PAC (which reported raising $87,000 in the quarter), and $69,200 come from Tampa Bay sources.
Collazo, once Calatayud’s chief of staff, gave himself $4,000.
Blanco’s campaign raised $111,335 between his campaign account ($78,835) and his own PAC, Let’s Get Back to Basics ($32,500), where he has a lot of labor support, including $15K from the Miami-Dade Firefighters Local 1403.
The reports say Blanco started raising funds Feb. 23. Collazo on March 15.
Local 1403 has already endorsed Blanco, as has the South Florida Council of Fire Fighters, the Miami Association of Firefighters Local 587, the Florida Fraternal Order of Police, the South Florida Police Benevolent Association and the Hispanic Police Officers Association.
As far as Ladra can tell, Collazo only has Calatayud’s blessing, so far.
Read related: Tampa transplant candidate for HD 115 is registered to vote at Senator’s home
“I am incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support I am receiving,” Blanco said in a statement. “Surpassing the $110,000 fundraising mark in our first reporting period is a clear sign that our message to uphold and protect our conservative values is resonating throughout our community.
“We’re building a campaign rooted in integrity, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.” Blanco continued. “From tackling soaring property insurance rates to addressing out-of-control inflation, I’m committed to fighting for policies that will protect hardworking families and bring economic relief to our community.”
A third long shot candidate, former U.S. State Department Foreign Affairs Officer Moises Benhabib, reported raising nada.
The Republican primary is Aug. 20. So far, no Democrats are running for HD 115, which covers much of Kendall and West Dade.
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Tampa transplant is winning the money race in state House District 115 contest added by Ladra on
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