Former federal prosecutor Robin Peguero is swiftly gaining ground in the Democratic Primary race for Florida’s 27th Congressional District.
Peguero’s campaign reported this week that in his first quarter campaigning, he stacked more than $330,000 — outpacing the Primary’s current fundraising leader and delivering what his camp called “the strongest showing for any Democratic challenger in any targeted district in Florida this cycle.”
Official fundraising reports from federal-level candidates are due Oct. 15.
According to Peguero’s campaign, more than 2,500 donors have contributed to him so far.
“It’s an honor to have the support of so many people across South Florida, and across the country, who are fed up with politics as usual and ready to put working and middle-class families first,” Peguero said in a statement.
“As a first-generation American from modest means, I saw my parents do whatever it took to provide for our family and serve our country. In the months ahead, I’m ready to carry this incredible momentum forward and deliver Miamians the representation we deserve.”
Peguero, a lawyer who served as an investigator for the congressional Jan. 6 Committee, got off to a lightning-fast start in mid-July, when he reported a more than $100,000 haul[1] within the first 24 hours of launching his campaign.
The following month, another Democrat in the CD 27 race, former Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey, withdrew from the contest and endorsed Peguero[2], calling Peguero “a true champion for our community.”
Other endorsers include Key Biscayne Council member Franklin Caplan, Coral Gables Commissioner Melissa Castro and Cutler Bay Council member B.J. Duncan.
Peguero’s government bona fides also includes a stint as Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Maryland Democrat. Today, Peguero works as a professor[3] at the St. Thomas University College of Law. He has also published two novels[4].
Peguero currently faces two Democratic Primary opponents: entrepreneur Richard Lamondin, who this week reported raising nearly $500,000[5] since launching his campaign in May, and accountant Alexander Fornino, who collected $21,300 — all from his bank account — through June 30.
The winner of that race next year will face Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, who is seeking a fourth term.
CD 27 covers Miami, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Key Biscayne, Pinecrest, North Bay Village, South Miami, West Miami and several unincorporated areas.
Salazar won re-election last year by nearly 21 points.
References
- ^ more than $100,000 haul (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ endorsed Peguero (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ professor (www.stu.edu)
- ^ two novels (www.amazon.com)
- ^ raising nearly $500,000 (floridapolitics.com)