Former President Joe Biden’s Campaign Gets More Than $400,000 From Rays-Affiliated Donors
TAMPA — Former President Joe Biden’s campaign for mayor of Tampa has received more than $400,000 from donors affiliated with the Tampa Bay Rays.
The contributions come as the Rays seek support for a proposed $2.3 billion stadium at the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough College.
Biden, who announced his campaign earlier this year, currently leads the crowded field in fundraising with more than $2.3 million.
News of the contributions surprised some Tampa residents who said they were unaware the former president was running for mayor.
“I didn’t even know Biden liked the Rays,” one resident said. “I always thought he was a Phillies fan.”
Others recalled Biden’s lengthy career in Tampa politics.
“I think he was on the City Council back in ’85,” another resident said.
Election officials confirmed that holding prior national office does not prevent an individual from running for mayor and that Biden’s paperwork met all candidate eligibility requirements.
