Campaign activity is ramping up for candidates seeking election to Alabama’s statewide offices. Candidates are looking to galvanize support from the electorate and gain momentum as they attempt to boost fundraising numbers headed into the last month of the third quarter.
Many view some of the state’s top officer positions as being uncompetitive. However, some lower-level statewide offices are seen by many political pundits to be well in play, which will likely lead to candidates’ fundraising efforts garnering close attention.
Governor
Of the state’s three highest-ranking offices, Gov. Kay Ivey is the only incumbent to have a primary challenger. The sitting governor hauled in $134,083 for the month of August and is sitting at a healthy $1.9 million cash-on-hand.
Former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy George received $2,150 in contributions and holds $2,122 cash-on-hand.
Opelika Rev. Dean Odle raised $5,159 last month, which brought his ending cash balance to $10,113.
State Auditor Jim Zeigler, who is term-limited in his current office, is seen by some to be the challenger who is best positioned to force Ivey into a potential runoff. Zeigler took in $12,474 during the month of August and holds $15,814 cash-on-hand. He has not yet officially entered the race.
Lieutenant Governor
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth continues to build a strong reelection campaign apparatus as he raked in $35,735 last month, which brought his total cash balance to $1,054,141.
Attorney General
Attorney General Steve Marshall, who also remains unopposed in his bid for another term as the state’s chief law enforcement officer, hauled in $30,500 in August, bringing his cash-on-hand to $522,329.
Secretary of State
State Rep. Wes Allen (R-Troy) thus far has been the only candidate to announce candidacy for secretary of state. The lawmaker brought in an impressive $13,500 last month and currently holds $93,557 cash-on-hand.
State Treasurer
There are currently no filings for state treasurer.
State Auditor
State Rep. Andrew Sorrell (R-Muscle Shoals) continues to lead the pack for state auditor in fundraising as the freshman lawmaker raised $15,105 during the month of August, which took his overall ending balance to $287,127.
Former State Sen. Rusty Glover (R-Semmes) hauled in $10,983 and brought his current cash-on-hand to $19,682.
Jefferson County pastor and conservative activist Stan Cooke received no cash contributions during the month of August and holds at $2,000 cash-on-hand.
Trace Barnett also recorded no contributions and currently has an overall cash balance of $57.
Agriculture and Industries Commissioner
Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate remains unopposed in his bid for a second term in office. He raised $12,100 in August, which brings his cash-on-hand to $39,275.
Supreme Court Associate Justice
Incumbent Kelli Wise announced her reelection campaign last month, during which she raised $12,500. Her ending cash-on-hand sits at $49,466.
Greg Cook’s August cash receipts totaled $62,900, bringing his ending balance to $257,347.
Calhoun County Circuit Judge Debra Jones hauled in $8,700 for the month of August and currently holds $29,249 cash-on-hand.
Public Service Commissioner
Current officeholder Jeremy Oden had no cash contributions during the month of August. He sits at $1,290 cash-on-hand.
Tallassee Mayor John Hammock last month raised an impressive $13,500 and holds $38,172.08 cash-on-hand.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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