Treasure Coast Democrat Richter Raises $82K in First Month to Flip HD 85

Democratic lawyer Wayne Richter pulled in more than $82,000 during his first month as a candidate in House District 85, a Martin-St. Lucie swing seat that Republicans have held since 2018 and that both parties are now watching closely.

Richter entered April with roughly $69,000 on hand between his campaign account and political committee, Restore Our Community — money he will need as the August primary draws nearer. For Treasure Coast property owners and families already straining under rising insurance costs and what Richter calls unchecked overdevelopment, the question the race raises is simple: Will HD 85 send a new voice to Tallahassee, or stay red?

The fundraising haul, covering the period from Richter's late-February launch through March 31, came primarily from personal checks and business contributions concentrated in the legal profession, plus a $4,000 self-loan. He spent close to $15,000 on fundraising event costs, campaign signs, donation-processing fees, bank fees and a $2,000 contribution to Emily Gregory, the Democrat who became the first of her party this century to win nearby House District 87 last month.

"I'm humbled by the overwhelming support our campaign has received from this community — across county and party lines," Richter said in a statement. He called the opening numbers "a clear sign that people are ready to return to serious, responsible and commonsense leadership."

Richter is currently the only Democrat in the HD 85 race. The district is being vacated by Palm City Republican Rep. Toby Overdorf, who is term-limited after serving since 2018. On the Republican side, Port St. Lucie City Council member Anthony Bonna, a Realtor, and lawyer Thomas Colter had raised approximately $175,000 and $25,000, respectively, through Dec. 31, according to public records. Both candidates' first-quarter reports were still pending at the time the financial disclosures were filed.

The primary is set for Aug. 18. The general election follows Nov. 3.

This article was generated with AI assistance using publicly available information. It was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication. TC Sentinel uses AI writing tools in accordance with FTC guidelines.