Statewide Campaigns Report September Fundraising Totals

Campaign finance documents filed Friday reveal that Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones and Republican gubernatorial nominee Tommy Tuberville raised nearly identical amounts of money in September. However, Tuberville maintains a significant lead in overall cash on hand and outspent Jones during the same period, according to the reports.

Jones reported raising $1.12 million last month, while Tuberville raised $1.13 million. Despite the close September fundraising, Tuberville holds $6.5 million in cash on hand, compared to Jones' $2.2 million. Tuberville also spent $4 million in September, substantially more than the $1.5 million spent by Jones.

Malloy Jaspers, communications director for the Tuberville campaign, stated Monday afternoon that the campaign continued to raise and spend money at a record pace to ensure Republican candidates win on November 3. Jones, in a Substack post on Sunday, criticized one of Tuberville’s donations, noting that Tuberville accepted $20,000 from TCBC Development Company, a computer systems design company located in Cottonwood. Jones stated his campaign, while behind in fundraising, possesses an "extraordinary grassroots movement."

Both gubernatorial candidates received contributions from political action committees (PACs). Jones' campaign received $1,500 from the Chilton County Democratic Party, $1,000 from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen, $3,000 from March On PAC, and $1,000 from New Direction PAC. Tuberville's campaign received $100,000 from the Alabama Realtors Political Action Committee. These September fundraising numbers were closer than those seen in recent gubernatorial campaigns; for instance, in September 2018, then-Republican Governor Kay Ivey raised $735,000, while Democratic nominee Walt Maddox raised $373,000.

Beyond the governor's race, Republican nominees for Alabama’s constitutional offices generally outraised their Democratic counterparts last month, though spending patterns varied, according to campaign finance reports.

In the race for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Republican nominee Corey Hill and Democratic nominee Ron Sparks reported almost even fundraising. Hill raised $58,900, slightly more than Sparks' $55,200. Sparks, however, spent significantly more at $36,200 compared to Hill's $2,200. Hill maintains an edge in cash on hand with $142,600 to Sparks' $119,500. Hill expressed gratitude for statewide support, while Sparks stated his spending was strategic to communicate his campaign's message and draw attention to the agriculture race. Both candidates also received PAC money. Hill accepted $1,000 from Reaching For A Brighter America PAC, $1,500 from Montgomery County GOP Executive PAC, $10,000 from the Alabama Realtors PAC, and $7,500 from Progress PAC. Sparks received $5,250 and $5,000 from Persist PAC, $1,500 from BIZ PAC, $500 from March On PAC, and $5,000 from the Poarch Creek Indian PAC.

For Lieutenant Governor, Republican nominee John Wahl consistently outraised Democratic opponent Phillip Ensler. Wahl raised $155,100 last month, while Ensler raised $81,500. Ensler outspent Wahl, with $32,800 to Wahl’s $25,000. Ensler stated that his campaign received contributions from nearly 600 donors since August 1, emphasizing broader grassroots support compared to Wahl’s approximately 30 donors during the same period, according to Ensler's statement. State records show 34 contributions to Wahl and 544 to Ensler between August 1 and September 30, though the number of unique donors was not clarified. Wahl leads in cash on hand with $348,300 to Ensler’s $154,700. Both received PAC funds. Wahl’s PAC contributions included $50,000 from the Alabama Realtors Political Action Committee, $20,000 from the Alabama Credit Union Legislative Action Council, and several $5,000 contributions from groups such as SAVEPAC, FAXPAC, and TELPAC. Ensler received $1,000 from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen PAC Fund, $5,000 from IBEW PAC, and $8,000 from Persistence PAC.

In the Attorney General race, Republican nominee Katherine Robertson again outraised and outspent Democratic opponent Jeff McLaughlin. Robertson raised $241,200 and spent $24,200, significantly more than McLaughlin's $21,200 raised and $14,800 spent. Robertson maintains a substantial lead in cash on hand, with $4.4 million compared to McLaughlin’s $20,300. McLaughlin, who has shunned PAC money throughout his campaign, stated he would use individual contributions to buy airtime and communicate his message. He expressed his belief that knowing who is behind a candidate is important and that contributions should come only from individuals. Last month, Robertson received numerous PAC contributions, including $25,000 each from Trust Representing Involved Alabama Lawyers (TRIAL) and ALAPAC, and $10,000 each from the Retailers of Alabama PAC and the Alabama Beverage Association PAC.

Finally, in the Secretary of State race, Republican nominee Caroleene Dobson outraised opponent Wayne Rogers. Dobson raised $42,200 and spent $13,400. Rogers raised $5,600 and spent $5,000. Rogers did not accept PAC money last month. Dobson received PAC contributions including $10,000 from the Alabama Realtors PAC and $25,000 from ALAPAC.