The Black Tie and Blue Jeans BBQ welcomed state leaders

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Alachua County Republicans are rallying behind their candidates for the general election.

The biggest fundraiser of the year, the Black Tie and Blue Jeans BBQ welcomed state leaders.

The theme of this year's fundraiser is Celebrate Florida Freedom.

Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis was the keynote speaker.

Outside of national races, Alachua County Republicans say changing the county commission races from at-large to districts could impact the election.

"That's something we really fought for really hard, we are excited for that. The big thing we need to stress for the Republican party is turnout. We need folks to know that come November, we need people out there to make their voice heard," said Michael Tackle.

Tickle says that even though Democrats outnumber Republicans in Alachua County.

He feels that gap is shrinking.

The Alachua County Democratic Party will have its annual Lawton Chiles Gala on September. 29.

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