Barbara Banno has so far outraised incumbent Gulfport Mayor Sam Henderson by about double in her bid to unseat him. Banno has raised more than $22,000 as of February 26th while Henderson has brought in just over $11,000.
Despite the fundraising lead though, both candidates are left with about $6,000 in the bank with less than two weeks to go before the March 15th election.
Between February 13th and 26th Banno raised $5,550. Henderson raised just $1,949.
The difference is in high dollar contributions. Of her 32 contributions, including in-kind, Banno brought in 16 that were more than $100. Henderson had just three and one of them was for $101.
Banno’s large checks came from a mix of voters and outside supporters. Suzanne and Scott Snurpus, Pinellas Park residents, each donated $1,000. Gulfport residents April Hornsleth Caldwell, Ann Marie Anderson and Nancy Kelly each contributed $250, $400 and $900 respectively.
Banno also received a $500 contribution from Illinois resident Linda Martin.
Meanwhile, Henderson earned two $500 contributions from the Stonewall Democrats and the Florida Fire PAC. Gulfport resident Jeff Albright was behind the $101 contributions and Pinellas County School Board member Linda Lerner kicked in $50.
Henderson’s contributions continue to be largely stemming from within the community while Banno continues to enjoy outside money. However, Banno’s upped the amount of contributions coming from Gulfport residents during the lates reporting period. Of her 32 total contributions 24 of them came from inside the city.
The shift is indicative of Banno’s shift in campaign strategies. Up until recently she had a campaign consultant working for her, but is now going it solo with an emphasis on grassroots campaigning.
Banno and Henderson square off at the polls March 15 as part of the Presidential Preference Primary down ballot. City Council member Dan Liedtke is also facing a challenger, April Thanos.
While the Presidential Preference Primary is closed to just Democrats and Republicans, all Gulfport voters regardless of party affiliation can vote in this election.
