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Rick Scott Raises More than $10.7M in 3 Months

Florida Republican is challenging Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson

Florida Governor Rick Scott says his campaign raised more than $10.7 million in three months. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Florida Governor Rick Scott says his campaign raised more than $10.7 million in three months. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday that his Senate campaign has raised more than $10.7 million in three months.

The Republican hopeful, who is challenging Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson, received money from over 11,000 contributors, 75 percent of whom gave less than $500. Floridians made up 80 percent of contributors, the Scott campaign said in a press release.

Scott himself has not contributed any money, according to his campaign, even though he reported a net worth of $149 million last year. Scott has a history of donating to his own campaigns: $75 million for his winning 2010 bid for governor and $12.8 million for his 2014 re-election, according to Florida Politics.

Strategists predict spending in the race could reach $200 million, making it the most expensive Senate race in history, breaking the record currently held by the 2016 Pennsylvania contest between GOP Sen. Patrick J. Toomey and Democrat Katie McGinty, which cost $180 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Nelson, who was first elected to the Senate in 2000, has not yet released his second quarter numbers, which are due July 15. He had $10.5 million in the bank as of April 1, according Federal Election Commission records. 

Scott attributed his haul to his mission of bringing a “real leader” to Washington instead of a career politician.

“By raising more than $10.7 million in less than three months, we are sending a message to Washington that the time of career politicians is over — and our momentum is not slowing down,” he said.

Watch: Five More Candidate Intro Videos Worth Watching

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