Why It Matters
Florida’s 2nd Congressional District is shaping up as a competitive race following Rep. Neal Dunn’s retirement announcement. The district, which covers a large swath of North Florida and the Panhandle, has attracted a crowded field of candidates from both parties. Early fundraising totals often signal candidate viability and organizational strength heading into primary season.
What Happened
Democrat Brice Barnes announced her campaign raised more than $100,000 in its first 24 hours, according to her campaign. Barnes, a first-time candidate, is seeking the Republican-held seat in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District. The seat is open following the retirement of Rep. Neal Dunn.
Barnes said the fundraising haul demonstrates broad support for her candidacy. She is framing her campaign around affordable housing, health equity, and cost-of-living concerns for working families in the region.
By the Numbers
Barnes will not be required to file a detailed fundraising report until July. As of the end of 2025, three other Democratic candidates had already raised more than $100,000 each: Huy-Yen Cam Bailey, Amanda Marie Green, and Nicholas Zateslo. First-quarter 2026 reports for those candidates are pending.
On the Republican side, Keith Gross has self-funded his campaign with more than $5.5 million. His campaign now carries over $8 million in debt. Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power is also running, along with several other GOP candidates including Austin Rogers, a former general counsel for Sen. Rick Scott.
Zoom Out
Open-seat races typically attract large primary fields, and Florida’s 2nd District is no exception. The district covers rural and suburban areas across North Florida, including parts of the Panhandle. Republicans have held the seat for years, but Democrats see an opportunity in an open election.
The primary elections are scheduled for August, with the general election in November. Candidates from both parties are expected to continue building donor networks and organizing ahead of the filing deadline.
What’s Next
Candidates will continue fundraising through the spring and summer. The first detailed finance reports for Barnes and others who launched campaigns recently will be filed in July. Primary voters in both parties will narrow the field in August before the November general election.