Florida House District 5 GOP hopeful Brad Drake raised $111,635 in February for the seat containing Walton, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties, as well as part of Bay County.
The former Republican House representative now has more than $150,000 cash on hand, over $95,000 more than any other opponent. GOP candidate Jan Hooks raised $6,825 in February, for a total of $56,075.
More than three-quarters of donations (77 percent) received from contributors within HD 5 were under $100, indicating a “groundswell of local support,” according to a statement released by Drake’s campaign.
Drake has also gathered 702 petition signatures, 70 percent of the required 996 to qualify for the 2014 ballot.
“I’m honored and humbled to receive such strong support,” Drake said. “As I travel the district and knock on doors, it is clear that the residents of House District 5 are looking for an experienced conservative leader that will fight for Northwest Florida and the beliefs that we share.”
A native of Northwest Florida, Drake served in the Florida House from 2008 to 2012. After the 2012 redistricting, Drake’s seat merged into the same region as Rep. Marti Coley of Marianna, whom he chose to support for re-election.
