FLORIDA(TIP): Indian American Republican & entrepreneur Aakash Patel has raised $25,500 for his campaign in March.

“I am extremely excited about the continued momentum of our campaign. Our hard work is reflected in the fundraising totals and the tremendous support we have been receiving,” Patel wrote on his official Facebook handle.

According to a report, Patel has so far raised $378,751 including $288,601 for his campaign account and $90,150 for his political committee, Elevate Tampa.

The report said that the bulk of the funds that Patel received in February came from 60 contributors amounting to $19,886.

Earlier in the week, Patel had announced that he received the endorsement of former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Will Weatherford.

“I am so very honored to have the support of such a true conservative leader as Speaker Will Weatherford. I’m truly humbled to have members of the business community come forward with such strong support of my campaign,” Patel said.

Patel, a first-time candidate, is reportedly far ahead of his Republican rival Todd Marks when it comes to raising funds for the campaign. His Democratic counterpart, Tampa Democratic Rep. Janet Cruz, has not released the latest reports of her campaign funding.

 “I have known Aakash Patel through our work in the business community and have witnessed his efforts to enrich economic growth in Hillsborough County. I believe he will be an asset to the community and that he will instill his strong conservative beliefs as he continues his work for greater economic development, improved transportation and many other issues important to the community,” Speaker Weatherford said.

Patel studied his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and English Literature at Florida State University. During this time, he also worked at The Tampa Bay Times, Tallahassee Bureau. He is also a graduate of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Tampa (2012), FBI Citizen’s Academy (2012), Tampa Police Citizen’s Academy (2012), Tampa Bay Public Leadership Institute (2013) Leadership Tampa Bay (2011), and Tampa Connection (2010), and College Leadership Florida (2005). He is enrolled in City of Tampa’s Mayor’s Neighborhood University, according to his LinkedIn profile.

An expert networker, Patel recently received the endorsement of Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz. In August, Gaetz, who is the son of former lawmaker Don Gaetz, tweeted, “Proud to support my longtime friend @pateltimes in his run for the Hillsborough Commission!”