Candidate in the Palm Beach County Commission Race, Matt Willhite, caught raising money for Republican PACs

A Florida State Representative who is running for the County Commission District 6 seat in Palm Beach County was recently called out by local Democrats for raising substantial money for Republican PACs.

Matt Willhite, who is running as a Democrat, came under fire in the election after it was disclosed he raised money for a Tallahassee PAC that has given $90,000 to Florida Republicans. This activity isn’t a secret, but Willhite has been keeping it one from the public.

Upon further review of Willhite’s own political committee, Floridians for Public Safety, a registered Political Committee with the Florida Division of Elections, it appears Willhite’s fundraising also has ties to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Over $350,000 has been raised in Willhite’s PAC from one specific group. This group has also endorsed Ron DeSantis in his re-election campaign. Financial analysts have reviewed Willhite’s campaign fundraising and nearly 60% of all his donations come from this one DeSantis supporting group. Associating with the DeSantis campaign and its supporters isn’t a good look, and it shows where Willhite’s priorities lie.

Willhite has come under fire from Palm Beach County Democrats for his cozy ties to Republicans. Not only is Willhite’s involvement in Republican PACs borderline treasonous with Democrats, but it also goes against the Democratic party’s values. Candidates shouldn’t be beholden to corporate interests, but Willhite seems to not have a problem with this.

Instead of focusing on the people, Willhite has been focused on his own special interests and profits. Palm Beach County doesn’t deserve a representative who doesn’t have its best interests at heart.

Willhite is running in a Democratic Primary election to be held on August 23, 2022. His two opponents are Democrats Sylvia Sharps and Michelle McGovern. All three candidates are looking to replace incumbent Melissa McKinlay, who is term-limited and can’t run again.

The deadline to register for the primary election is coming up on July 25, 2022. Other important election dates and deadlines that voters should be aware of are:

• Early voting opens at 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. August 8 through August 21, 2022
• Deadline to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot is 5:00 p.m. on August 13, 2022
• Deadline to return your Vote-by-Mail ballot is 7:00 p.m. on August 23, 2022
• Election Day is 7:00 am – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 23, 2022

It’s important to note that Florida is a “closed primary” state, meaning that only the voters registered within that political party may vote in that party’s Primary election. You can change your party affiliation by submitting an updated voter registration application at any time, but the change must be made 29 days before a Primary Election in order to be valid for that election.

For more information on the primary election and to register to vote, please visit https://www.votepalmbeach.gov/Elections/Election-Dates-and-Deadlines.

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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