Candidates › FL-13 race › 2025–2026

Leela Gray

D Democratic nominee for U.S. House, FL-13

Has not served in Congress

On the ballot: Lost the general electionNov 3, 2026 · 144,435 votes (45.7%) · 2 of 3
The race: Everyone running for FL-13 · Compare Gray with them
Where to vote: Find your polling place (opens in a new tab) · More ways to vote

SummaryAt a glance

Top priorities: Cutting Costs Agenda
Anti-Corruption Agenda
Ban Corporate PAC Donations
Anti-Corruption Agenda
Growing Economic Opportunities
Read all 7 in their words
Money: $2.9M raised, $2.3M spent, $656.4K cash on hand (through Oct 14, 2026). Where it comes from
Who gives: 20% of individual money from donors at $200 or less · 70% from Florida · largest committee giver FAIR SHOT PAC, $10K
Outside groups: $393.4K supporting, $475.7K opposing Gray
Backed by: Tampa Bay Times · AFL-CIO Florida · Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida and 43 more. As the campaign lists them

Their wordsWhat does Gray say they will do?

7 priorities from leelagray.com, in the order they are listed there. Every heading and the text under it is copied exactly, as one passage for each page it is from, and links to that place on the page; hover a source to see which passage it opens.

7 priorities · 20 parts · 23 quoted statements

Heading as listed on leelagray.com/issues ↗ (opens leelagray.com/issues at this heading)
These proposals extend to Members of Congress, the President, Vice President, Cabinet Secretaries, and Supreme Court Justices.
source ↗ (opens the page at this passage) · leelagray.com/issues/anti-corruption-agenda
Heading as listed on leelagray.com/issues ↗ (opens leelagray.com/issues at this heading)
Heading as listed on leelagray.com/issues/anti-corruption-agenda ↗ (opens leelagray.com/issues/anti-corruption-agenda at this heading)
Heading as listed on leelagray.com/issues ↗ (opens leelagray.com/issues at this heading)
Heading as listed on leelagray.com/issues ↗ (opens leelagray.com/issues at this heading)

MoneyWho pays for the campaign, and where does it go?

Raised

$2.9M

$2,917,665

Spent

$2.3M

$2,261,242

Cash on hand

$656.4K

$656,423

FEC filings, Feb 1, 2026 to Oct 14, 2026 · Official FEC bulk data · committee C00937441

Raised, spent and cash over time by FEC report

78¢ of every dollar raised has been spent across 5 reports ($2.3M of $2.9M). Cash on hand went from $500.2K on Mar 31, 2026 to $656.4K on Oct 14, 2026.

Raised, spent and cash on hand by FEC report
Report	Raised in the period	Spent in the period	Cash on hand at its close
APRIL QUARTERLY 2026 through Mar 31, 2026	$565,000	$64,765	$500,235
JULY QUARTERLY 2026 through Jun 30, 2026	$519,672	$254,765	$765,143
PRE-PRIMARY 2026 through Jul 29, 2026	$138,397	$220,244	$683,295
OCTOBER QUARTERLY 2026 through Sep 30, 2026	$1,344,204	$1,426,997	$600,502
PRE-GENERAL 2026 through Oct 14, 2026	$350,392	$294,471	$656,423

Each report’s own period, as filed with the FEC; a report filed again counts once, as its latest copy.

Where the money came from $2,917,665 reported receipts

Itemized (over $200)Donors who have given more than $200 this cycle, so the FEC itemizes (names) them.$1,969,36167%

Largest donors

Michael Gauwitz4 contributions, latest Jun 28, 2026 · SAINT PETERSBURG, FL$7,500
Janet Adams2 contributions, latest Mar 10, 2026 · NOT EMPLOYED · ST PETERSBURG, FL$7,000
Paul Adams2 contributions, latest Mar 30, 2026 · NOT EMPLOYED · ST PETERSBURG, FL$7,000
Rebecca Baker2 contributions, latest May 24, 2026 · NOT EMPLOYED · LARGO, FL$7,000
Laura Bekesh2 contributions, latest Mar 31, 2026 · NOT EMPLOYED · TARPON SPRINGS, FL$7,000
Judith Carson2 contributions, latest Feb 22, 2026 · RETIRED · THE CARSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST · NEW YORK, NY$7,000
Russell Carson2 contributions, latest Feb 22, 2026 · PHILANTHROPY · THE CARSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST · NEW YORK, NY$7,000
Rajeev Date2 contributions, latest Mar 30, 2026 · INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT · FENWAY SUMMER LLC · CHEVY CHASE, MD

EndorsementsWho does Gray’s campaign say backs them?

46 endorsers listed on Leela Gray’s own campaign site: 14 officials, 9 unions, 21 organizations, 1 newspaper, 1 person.

This is the campaign's claim, checked by an editor against its page; the endorsers have not confirmed it to us. Each name opens the campaign’s page with that name highlighted.

Officials 14

Joe Ayoub
Mayor of Safety Harbor
“In Safety Harbor, we believe in community, accountability, and leaders who show up and get things done. Leela Gray shares those values," said Ayoub. “She understands the challenges our families and small businesses are facing, and I’m proud to support her for Congress." “Mayor Ayoub is a tireless public servant for the City of Safety Harbor and I’m honored to have his support,” said Gray. “He sees every day how skyrocketing property and flood insurance rates and rising housing costs are squeezing working families in this district. Together, we’ll tackle the cost of living crisis and fight to grow opportunities for every family in Florida’s 13th.”
Pete Buttigieg
Former Secretary of Transportation
Kathy Castor
Representative, Fl-14
Katherine Clark
Representative, MA-05 & Democratic Whip
“Leela Gray is fighting for the issues families are talking about around their kitchen tables,” said Clark. “She sees insurance bills tripling, utility costs that keep climbing, and an economy that isn't working for the people who need it most. Thirty years in the US Army taught her what it means to show up and get the job done for the people counting on you. Florida's 13th District deserves a fighter who won't leave working families left out and left behind. I'm proud to endorse Leela Gray for Congress.”
Jason Crow
Representative, CO-06
“As a fellow combat veteran, I recognize real leadership when I see it,” said Crow. “Leela Gray knows what it means to serve this country up close, on the front lines, where it counts. She spent over 30 years in uniform, rose to the rank of Brigadier General, and never stopped putting the mission and the people beside her first. The families of Florida's 13th district are ready for a leader who has earned their trust through service and sacrifice. Leela Gray is that leader, and I am proud to endorse her.”
Jim Davis
Former Representative
“Having risen to the rank of Brigadier General in the US Army, Leela Gray brings the kind of thoughtful leadership, integrity, and commitment to service that our community deserves," said Davis. "I'm endorsing her because she understands the challenges Florida families face and has the experience to deliver real results." "Few people understand the demands of public service better than Jim Davis,” said Gray. “He spent 18 years in elected office building a reputation for getting results, even when the politics were hard. That is exactly the standard I intend to meet in Congress, and I am honored to have his support and his trust.”
Ben Diamond
Former Member of the Florida House of Representatives
“As a retired Army Brigadier General who served three decades in the United States Army, Leela Gray is exactly the leader we need fighting for us in Washington,” said Diamond. “She has discipline, integrity, and outstanding judgment. I am proud to endorse Leela Gray for Florida’s 13th Congressional District.” "Ben Diamond has spent his career fighting for the people of Pinellas County: in the Florida House, in the community, and as someone who knows this district better than anyone," said Gray. "I am honored to have the support of a leader who has dedicated himself to public service and who understands firsthand what the families of FL-13 deserve from their representative in Congress.”
Lois Frankel
Representative, FL-22
“I am proud to endorse Leela Gray for Congress because she understands the struggles of working families — not from a textbook, but from a lifetime of hard work, service, and sacrifice,” said Frankel. “As a working mom, veteran, and proven leader who served our nation for 30 years in uniform and fought for veterans and economic opportunity here at home, Leela has the grit, experience, and heart to deliver for the people of Pinellas County.” "Congresswoman Frankel has spent her career delivering for working families and fighting for women to have a seat at the table,” said Gray. “She knows what real leadership looks like, and she sees it in this campaign. I don't take that lightly. I look forward to working alongside her to actually fight for the hard-working people of Pinellas County.”

Unions 9

AFL-CIO Florida
“The working families of Pinellas and Pasco Counties have been ignored for too long while costs keep rising and Washington keeps failing them. They deserve a representative who actually fights for them, said Stephanie Yocum, President of the West Central Florida Labor Council. “Leela Gray has spent her life fighting for the people beside her, standing up for those who have been left behind, and never once putting herself before the mission. She has made clear that the kitchen table issues our members face every day, from insurance costs to worker protections to retirement security, will be her priorities in Congress. We are proud to endorse her and we will be working hard to elect her in November.”
West Central Florida Labor Council, AFL-CIO
1199 SEIu United healthcare workers east
uaw region 8
ufcw local 1625
afscme people committee
ironworkers local 397
teamsters local 79

Organizations 21

Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida
Elect Democratic Women
Emilys List
New Politics
Veterans for responsible leadership
VoteVEts
End Citizens United
“Leela Gray knows who is behind the rising cost of living: greedy corporations and the corrupt politicians who are beholden to their wealthy special interest donors ,” said End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller. “That’s why she’s refusing to take corporate PAC money. She’s showing Floridians of all parties that her campaign can’t be bought and that she’ll always put their needs ahead of wealthy special interests. It’s time to kick out Anna Paulina Luna and elect a real leader who will always put people ahead of corporate profits. We’re proud to endorse Leela and look forward to helping”
National Security Leaders for America
“NSL4A supports candidates who demonstrate sound judgment, commitment to public service, respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, and an understanding that elected office carries obligations greater than personal or partisan interests,” the leaders said, in part. “Leela Gray has earned our endorsement because we are confident she will bring those principles to the United States House of Representatives.” "I spent 30 years in uniform serving the Constitution, not a party or a person, so the support of fellow veterans and retired personnel means a great deal to me," said Gray. "The members of National Security Leaders for America have devoted their careers to this country, and they are united in defense of our democracy. I am honored to earn their endorsement, and I will bring that same service-over-self leadership to Congress for the families of FL-13.”

Newspapers 1

Tampa Bay Times

People 1

Whitney Fox
2024 Democratic candidate for FL-13

Top donor states
Name		Amount
Florida home944 contributions · 70%		$660,356
New York41 contributions · 6.5%		$61,700
Massachusetts38 contributions · 3.7%		$35,150
California39 contributions · 3.1%		$29,525
Maryland20 contributions · 2.7%		$25,500
Texas16 contributions · 2.4%		$23,025
Virginia29 contributions · 2.4%		$22,790
District of Columbia23 contributions · 1.4%		$12,830

Top donor states

Name

Amount

Florida home944 contributions · 70%

$660,356

New York41 contributions · 6.5%

$61,700

Massachusetts38 contributions · 3.7%

$35,150

California39 contributions · 3.1%

$29,525

Maryland20 contributions · 2.7%

$25,500

Texas16 contributions · 2.4%

$23,025

Virginia29 contributions · 2.4%

$22,790

District of Columbia23 contributions · 1.4%

$12,830

Donors’ employers
Employer as filed		Amount
Not employedWritten instead of an employer · 776 contributions · 52% of ranked		$487,454
Self-employedWritten instead of an employer · 89 contributions · 6.3% of ranked		$58,775
The Carson Family Charitable Trust4 contributions · 1.5% of ranked		$14,000
RetiredWritten instead of an employer · 14 contributions · 1.5% of ranked		$13,675
The Fernandez Firm5 contributions · 1.1% of ranked		$10,500
140 Summer Partners2 contributions · 0.8% of ranked		$7,000
Compulink2 contributions · 0.8% of ranked		$7,000
Cumberland Advisors4 contributions · 0.8% of ranked		$7,000

Donors’ employers

Employer as filed

Amount

Not employedWritten instead of an employer · 776 contributions · 52% of ranked

$487,454

Self-employedWritten instead of an employer · 89 contributions · 6.3% of ranked

$58,775

The Carson Family Charitable Trust4 contributions · 1.5% of ranked

$14,000

RetiredWritten instead of an employer · 14 contributions · 1.5% of ranked

$13,675

The Fernandez Firm5 contributions · 1.1% of ranked

$10,500

140 Summer Partners2 contributions · 0.8% of ranked

$7,000

Compulink2 contributions · 0.8% of ranked

$7,000

Cumberland Advisors4 contributions · 0.8% of ranked

$7,000

Name		Amount
Gusto36 payments · 4.7% of all spending		$106,869
AL Media3 payments · 4.5% of all spending		$101,842
Deliver Strategies LLC3 payments · 4.2% of all spending		$95,804
Trilogy Interactive LLC5 payments · 2.2% of all spending		$50,470
ActBlue Technical Services39 payments · 2.1% of all spending		$47,379
GQR2 payments · 2% of all spending		$44,500
GW Strategies5 payments · 1.8% of all spending		$40,300
Evergreen Strategies4 payments · 1.6% of all spending		$37,098

Occupation as filed		Amount
Not employedWritten instead of an occupation · 667 contributions · 44% of ranked		$412,321
RetiredWritten instead of an occupation · 123 contributions · 10% of ranked		$94,258
Attorney83 contributions · 7.9% of ranked		$74,400
Manager20 contributions · 3.3% of ranked		$31,350
Consultant44 contributions · 2.3% of ranked		$22,025
President6 contributions · 1.8% of ranked		$16,500
CEO8 contributions · 1.7% of ranked		$16,000
Chairman13 contributions · 1.6% of ranked		$15,450

Leela Gray

SummaryAt a glance

Their wordsWhat does Gray say they will do?

1Priority 1: Cutting Costs Agenda 6 parts

1.1Priority 1.1: Stop the Reckless War in Iran 1 statement

1.2Priority 1.2: Stop the Illegal Tariff Taxes 1 statement

1.3Priority 1.3: Break up Healthcare Monopolies, Strengthen the ACA, & Cap Prescription Drug Costs 1 statement

1.4Priority 1.4: Fix the Rigged Tax Code 1 statement

1.5Priority 1.5: Protect Medicare and Social Security 1 statement

1.6Priority 1.6: Crack Down on Corporate Investors Buying Up Housing 1 statement

2Priority 2: Anti-Corruption Agenda 1 part

2.1Priority 2.1: Overturn Citizens United 1 statement

3Priority 3: Ban Corporate PAC Donations 1 statement

4Priority 4: Anti-Corruption Agenda (continued) 6 parts

4.1Priority 4.1: Ban Buying and Selling Stocks — Move Current Holdings Into a Blind Trust 1 statement

4.2Priority 4.2: Ban Investments in Donor-Owned Companies 1 statement

4.3Priority 4.3: Disclose Every Lobbyist Meeting 1 statement

4.4Priority 4.4: Ban Prediction Market Betting 1 statement

4.5Priority 4.5: Suspend Pay During Government Shutdowns 1 statement

4.6Priority 4.6: Congressional Term Limits 1 statement

5Priority 5: Growing Economic Opportunities 4 parts

5.1Priority 5.1: Supporting Small Businesses and Creating Jobs 1 statement

5.2Priority 5.2: Investing in Our Workforce 1 statement

5.3Priority 5.3: Strengthening the Middle Class 1 statement

5.4Priority 5.4: Securing the Future for the Next Generation 1 statement

6Priority 6: Fighting for Our Most Vulnerable 3 parts

6.1Priority 6.1: Upholding the Promise to Our Veterans 1 statement

6.2Priority 6.2: Securing A Dignified Retirement for Our Seniors 1 statement

6.3Priority 6.3: Protecting Our Children 1 statement

7Priority 7: Protecting our Beaches, Land, and Coastal Economy 1 statement

MoneyWho pays for the campaign, and where does it go?

Raised, spent and cash over time by FEC report

Where the money came from $2,917,665 reported receipts

Largest donors

EndorsementsWho does Gray’s campaign say backs them?

Officials 14

Unions 9

Organizations 21

Newspapers 1

People 1

BallotWhen is Gray on the ballot?

AboutWhere does this page come from?

Earlier cycles

Federal records

Campaign pages read 6 pages

Committees that gave

Transfers in

Who lent it

Where the donors live $942,701 placed by state

Home state and away

Top states

Donors’ employers as filed

Outside spending $5,432,849 across this race

What the payments were for $832,694 itemized

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Largest vendors

Donors’ occupations as filed