Republican candidates for Alabama commissioner of agriculture and industries have posted strong early fundraising numbers, including loans, in what could be a competitive race.
State Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, loaned his campaign for state agriculture commissioner $250,000 last month. The four-term lawmaker launched his campaign account earlier this year by moving about $262,000 from his now dissolved Senate campaign.
He’s also raised about $77,000. He ended July with about $509,774 on hand.
Baldwin County business owner Christina Woerner McInnis has also loaned her campaign $250,000, spread over five installments of $50,000, according to her reports.
Outside her loans, McInnis has received about $191,500 in contributions. She ended July with about $186,600 on hand.
McInnis has spent approximately $222,346 to date; Williams has spent nearly $80,000.
Another Republican in the race, Douglas Mayor and farmer Corey Hill, has loaned his campaign $40,000 this year and taken in about $70,500 in contributions.
The Alabama Forestry Association endorsed Williams; Alabama Associated General Contractors endorsed McInnis. Hill was endorsed this week by the Alabama Grocers Association.
The Alabama Farmers Federation has yet to issue an endorsement in this race.
The primary is May 19. So far, no Democrat is raising money in that race.
Current Commissioner Rick Pate is term limited and running for lieutenant governor.