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Filings in June, however, reveal closely-matched revenue streams for both Putnam and Corcoran, having raised close to $2 million each for the month.

Putnam received a sizeable portion from U.S. Sugar and powerful Tallahassee lobbyists affiliated with the Associated Industries of Florida. Corcoran received large chunks from The Fountainbleau (a Miami Beach hotel which his brother Michael lobbies for) as well as from Reps. Jose Oliva and Chris Sprowls.

Contribution sources aren’t the only area where the two Florida Republicans differ.

Putnam, branded as the GOP establishment candidate, favors pro-growth and pro-business measures that will make Florida the “launch pad of the American Dream.” It’s an overall-positive message about cutting spending, keeping taxes low, and other items of the typical Republican playbook.

Corcoran’s niche, on the other hand, seems to be his hardline stance against corporate welfare and insider-influence on the state’s policies. His distrust of the legislator-turned-lobbyist revolving door in Tallahassee manifested itself in policies as well as rhetoric. Such policies include new rules for lobbyists, who were now required to disclose their clients as well as the bills and amendments they were hired to influence.

A selling point for Corcoran’s anti-establishment position is that he was once chief of staff to Marco Rubio during his time as Florida House Speaker.

In an interview with the Sun-Sentinel, former Senate President Tom Lee said this about the incoming speaker last year:

“It's a remarkable start to this man's tenure as a presiding officer that he's willing to take the 20 years’ experience he has as a staffer and a legislator and use that to reform the system so that members are not so quick to monetize these titles."

Aside from his vendetta against overreaching lobbyists, Corcoran takes very conservative stances on various issues, especially for spending items such as Medicaid or amnesty for illegal immigrants. His far-right leanings have earned him the coveted support of conservative powerhouse Americans for Prosperity.

While this may give him a clear foothold in a Republican primary, the jury’s still out on how he would perform in the general election – especially against an outsider candidate like Democrat John Morgan.

Regardless, his entrance into the race could provide Putnam with a challenge if no other firm conservatives – such as Congressman Ron DeSantis – jump in.

Only 2018 will tell.