A political committee tied to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has received a $1 million donation from Trish Duggan, a prominent Scientologist, as part of its efforts to block marijuana legalization and abortion rights.
Trish Duggan.
The Florida Freedom Fund, chaired by DeSantis’ Chief of Staff James Uthmeier, raised $1.11 million from August 24 to 30, with Duggan’s contribution making up the bulk of the funds. According to state election records, the committee now holds nearly $3.49 million. This is less than 5% of the $82.6 million raised by Smart & Safe Florida, the group behind Amendment 3, as of the end of August
Duggan, a resident of Belleair Shores, is known as the largest donor to the Church of Scientology. Along with her ex-husband, billionaire Bob Duggan, she has donated over $360 million to the church and was a key financial backer in its secretive land acquisitions in Clearwater.
The Florida Freedom Fund, launched in May, is focused on defeating two upcoming ballot initiatives: Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana, and Amendment 4, which would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has expressed support for Amendment 3, pledging to vote in favor of marijuana legalization this November. Trump also recently endorsed the move to federally reschedule marijuana, and to pass federal marijuana banking legislation.
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