Florida Senate Race: Demings Raises More Money But Rubio Still Leading

Money plays a big role in political campaigns, but it doesn't always decide who wins. In Florida's Senate race, Democrat Val Demings has raised more money than Republican Marco Rubio. But Rubio is still ahead in most polls and has other advantages. Political experts say this race will help decide which party controls the U.S. Senate after the November election.

Demings has raised almost $48 million for her campaign, which is much more than most people expected. She gets a lot of small donations from people across the country who support her online. But raising money this way costs a lot because she has to pay companies to help her get donations. She has already spent $40 million of the money she raised, including $10 million just on internet advertising.

Rubio has raised $36 million and spent $21 million so far. Republican helpers think his slower spending is actually smarter than Demings' approach. They believe Demings is spending her money too fast and will run out later when she really needs it. Brian Ballard, who helps Rubio's campaign, compared it to eating all your seed corn before planting season.

The race focuses on several important issues that matter to Florida voters. These include abortion rights, the high cost of food and gas, and climate change. Demings criticizes Rubio for missing many votes in the Senate and not supporting laws to help with climate change. Rubio attacks Demings for supporting Democratic leaders in Congress and claims she doesn't really support police officers, even though she was a police chief for many years.