Florida Democrat Brice Barnes Raises Over $100K in First 24 Hours of Congressional Campaign
Why It Matters
Florida’s 2nd Congressional District is shaping up to be one of the most competitive open-seat races in the state heading into the 2026 midterm cycle. With longtime Republican Rep. Neal Dunn retiring, the North Florida seat is now in play, drawing a crowded field of candidates from both parties and significant early fundraising activity.
The outcome of this race could have real consequences for North Florida communities along the Panhandle, where issues like housing costs, healthcare access, and regional industries are driving voter concerns heading into the fall election.
What Happened
North Florida Democrat Brice Barnes announced she raised more than $100,000 in the first 24 hours of her campaign launch for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, according to her campaign. Barnes, a first-time candidate, is seeking to flip the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Rep. Neal Dunn.
Barnes said the early fundraising total reflects grassroots enthusiasm for her campaign. “I’m overjoyed by the incredible response to our campaign launch and the overwhelming grassroots support we’ve received just in the past day,” she said. “The number of people that are already supporting this campaign just goes to show that North Florida families are ready for a representative who understands their concerns and will fight for them in Congress.”
Barnes has framed her campaign around affordable housing, healthcare access, lowering costs for families, and protecting Panhandle industries. She describes herself as an advocate for everyday working people in the region.
By the Numbers
- $100,000+ raised by Brice Barnes in the first 24 hours of her campaign launch
- 3 other Democrats — Huy-Yen Cam Bailey, Amanda Marie Green, and Nicholas Zateslo — had each raised more than $100,000 as of the end of 2025, with first-quarter 2026 reports still pending
- $5.5 million in self-funding seeded by Republican candidate Keith Gross, a former U.S. Senate candidate
- $8 million+ in campaign debt now reported by Gross following his self-funding activity
- Barnes’s first fundraising report is not due until July 2026, with an August Democratic primary on the horizon
Zoom Out
Open congressional seats consistently attract large, competitive fields, and Florida’s 2nd District is no exception. Democrats have been targeting historically Republican-leaning districts in the South as part of a broader strategy to chip away at the GOP’s House majority in the 2026 midterms.
On the Republican side, the primary field is notably crowded. Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power has entered the race, as has Austin Rogers, a longtime Senate staffer who most recently served as General Counsel for U.S. Sen. Rick Scott. Additional GOP candidates include business owner Nick Lewis, Purple Heart veteran Luke Murphy, retired Washington County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Audie Rowell, and Gulf County Superintendent of Schools Jim Norton.
The race stands in contrast to other high-dollar Florida congressional contests. Republican Jay Collins raised nearly $1.75 million in the first quarter as an active candidate, with a major donor tied to Gov. Ron DeSantis contributing more than half of that total — illustrating the financial firepower being deployed across Florida’s competitive congressional landscape.
Statewide, Republican candidates are also navigating a policy-heavy environment. Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner has made property tax relief a top priority in his statewide campaign tour, signaling that economic issues remain central to voter outreach across Florida heading into the election cycle.
What’s Next
Barnes will continue building her donor base ahead of the August Democratic primary, where she will face at least three other candidates who already had six-figure fundraising totals heading into 2026. Her first official fundraising report will be filed in July, which will offer a clearer picture of her financial position in the race.
On the Republican side, the primary field will likely face pressure to consolidate as the August contest approaches, particularly given the financial dynamics surrounding Keith Gross’s heavily self-funded — and heavily indebted — campaign operation. The general election matchup in November will determine who represents North Florida’s Panhandle communities in the next Congress.