Political novice Christopher Pennington reluctantly acknowledges that he has only a slim chance of winning a state Senate seat by beating one of the most influential lawmakers in Central Florida.
“But I think my chances are improving every day,” said Pennington, 31, a lawyer. “There’s a strong anti-incumbent sentiment out here. Voters are fed up with the way things are going.”
Pennington, a first-time, weakly funded Democratic candidate, was recruited in June by fellow Democrats to run in the redrawn Senate District 13 against incumbent Republican Andy Gardiner, who was the Senate majority leader last year.
Campaign finance records show Pennington has raised less than $15,000, including loans to himself of about $6,300.Gardiner, meanwhile, has raised more than $500,000.
The two men want to represent a district where Republicans have a slight edge in voter registration. It includes part of Orlando, east Orange County and northern Osceola and Brevard counties.
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