With the third quarter of 2021 in the books, candidates seeking election to statewide offices are looking to solidify strong positioning in terms of where their respected campaigns stand regarding fundraising.
An increasing amount of interest is being placed upon each candidates’ ability to raise funds and hold a healthy financial standing. With October kicking off the start of the fourth quarter, September fundraising numbers could be a good indication of where candidates stand heading into the latter portion of the year.
Governor
Gov. Kay Ivey holds by far the best financial footing in the race for the state’s highest elected office. In September, the sitting governor raised $459,287 in cash contributions and holds over $2.3 million cash-on-hand.
Opelika Rev. Dean Odle received $8,980 in contributions during the month of September, bringing his ending balance to $25,337.
Former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy George raised no funds last month. His ending balance remains at $2,122.
While seen by many to be the most credible challenge to Ivey to become the state’s chief executive, State Auditor Jim Zeigler raised $2,000 in cash contributions, which brings his current balance to $17,504.
Lieutenant Governor
Incumbent Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth remains the sole candidate seeking the state’s second-highest ranking office. In September, Ainsworth received $87,255 in contributions. His ending balance heading into October sits at a healthy $1.1 million.
Attorney General
Attorney General Steve Marshall also is presently unchallenged in his bid for a second term as the state’s chief law enforcement officer. He raised $68,605 last month, which brought his ending balance to $575,385.
Secretary of State
State Rep. Wes Allen (R-Troy) is the lone candidate seeking election to secretary of state, which is currently held by the term-limited John Merrill. The South Alabama lawmaker received $18,150 in cash contributions for September and holds $109,828 in total campaign funds.
State Treasurer
The former and recently-appointed State Treasurer Young Boozer hauled in $110,798 for the month of September. His appointment to serve in his formerly-held position came on the heels of John McMillan being named executive director of the newly-established Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission.
State Auditor
State Rep. Andrew Sorrell (R-Muscle Shoals) continues to lead the pack in fundraising for state auditor. The North Alabama lawmaker raised $18,915 in September, which brought his ending balance to a staggering $301,205.
Former State Sen. Rusty Glover (R-Semmes) hauled in $350, bringing his ending balance to $15,226.
Jefferson County pastor and conservative activist Stan Cooke received no cash contributions for the month of September. His current cash-on-hand sits at $1,870.
Brent Woodall, while a declared candidate for state auditor, has not filed a campaign finance report with the secretary of state.
Trace Barnett has dropped out of the state auditor’s race.
Agriculture and Industries Commissioner
Incumbent Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate, who remains unchallenged in his bid for a second term, received $8,500 in campaign contributions last month, which brought his ending balance to $147,739.
Supreme Court Associate Justice
Incumbent Kelli Wise raised $20,000 for the month of September, bringing her campaign’s overall balance to $66,199.
Greg Cooke’s September cash receipts totaled $37,400 and his current cash-on-hand sits at $294,128.
Calhoun County Circuit Judge Debra Jones hauled in $7,630 last month, which brings her ending balance to $29,533.
Public Service Commissioner
Current officeholder Jeremy Oden received $5,000 in cash receipts during the month of September, with reported expenditures in excess of $4,000. His ending balance is $1,790.
Tallassee Mayor John Hammock continues to record impressive fundraising numbers as he received $9,175 in cash contributions last month. He holds $44,882 cash-on-hand.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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