According to the latest federal fundraising reports filed on Friday, Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl headed into 2020 with more cash-on-hand than the other two leading Republican candidates combined in Alabama’s First Congressional District.
Reports covered the final quarter of 2019. Carl, as of December 31, had $692,952 on hand.
This came after he raised $57,725 during Q4 and loaned his campaign another $50,000.
Next, former State Senator Bill Hightower (R-Mobile) finished the year with $369,775 cash-on-hand after raising $103,735 in the fourth quarter.
State Rep. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile) had $224,398 cash-on-hand at the conclusion of Q4. He raised $86,375 in the quarter.
Finally, local businessman Wes Lambert reported $76,886 on hand as of December 31, raising $2,500 during the last period. Former intelligence officer John Castorani had $1,101 cash-on-hand to end the year after raising $1,775.
The primary will be held March 3. The seat is being vacated by U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Fairhope), who is running for the U.S. Senate. The next fundraising reports are due February 20, covering January 1 — February 12.
In a statement, Carl said, “I am humbled by the strong showing of support from folks all over south Alabama. With over 95% of our money coming from voters within the 1st Congressional District, it is clear that south Alabama wants a Congressman who is not being funded by Montgomery and Washington, D.C. special interest money. I am the only candidate with the backbone to fight for our south Alabama values, just like President Trump.”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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