Vern Buchanan raises another $316,000 in fourth quarter for reelection bid

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan continues to stockpile cash as he tries to ward off a primary challenge from Sarasota Republican Martin Hyde and win reelection.

Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, raised at least another $316,000 in the fourth quarter of 2021, his campaign reported Thursday, bringing his total raised this cycle to $1.7 million.

More: Trump endorses US Rep. Vern Buchanan in primary against Sarasota businessman Martin Hyde

Buchanan is in line to take over as chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee if he wins reelection and Republicans take over the House.

Hyde is trying to challenge Buchanan from the right, but the congressman received a big boost last month when former President Donald Trump endorsed his campaign.

Asked about his fourth-quarter fundraising, Hyde replied in a text message that it's “less than his.”

“We're building support and that's WAY more important than a bank balance,” Hyde added.

Follow Herald-Tribune Political Editor Zac Anderson on Twitter at @zacjanderson. He can be reached at zac.anderson@heraldtribune.com

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Endorsed by Donald Trump, Sarasota congressman stockpiling cash for reelection