Republican candidate for Alabama lieutenant governor Wes Allen ended November with nearly $1 million on hand after raising more than $75,500 last month, according to his latest campaign finance reports.
Allen continues to lead in fundraising in what may be a six-person GOP field in the May 19 primary. AJ McCarron, the newest contestant in the race, raised $105,000. The former University of Alabama star quarterback announced his bid in October.
McCarron’s campaign on Tuesday said the first-time candidate’s initial fundraising delivers “a strong message of support and scares the heck out of the political insiders who created Montgomery’s good ol’ boy system.”
“Unlike the career politicians who raise their money from political action committees, contract lobbyists, and special interests seeking influence in exchange for contributions, every dime that AJ raised came from individuals who are eager to elect an outsider candidate with a fresh perspective,” the statement said.
McCarron’s November totals include two major contributions. Mobile business leaders Angus Cooper II and Angus Cooper III each gave McCarron $25,000, the campaign confirmed to Alabama Daily News. The younger Cooper is a trustee on the University of Alabama System Board.
Smaller donations to McCarron came mostly from individuals, a few businesses and one political action committee, the WLPA PAC based in Athens.
The campaign spent about $7,000 last month and ended November with $98,749 on hand.
Allen’s campaign has spent more than $80,600 since he entered the race early this year.
Of the about $1.8 million taken in by his campaign so far, $260,000 is a personal loan from Allen.
In a statement Tuesday night, Allen said he is grateful for the support from around the state.
“Alabama voters are responding to my proven record of cutting wasteful spending, making our elections more secure, eliminating red tape and protecting our strong, conservative, Christian values,” Allen said. “Alabamians know that when it comes to my record against liberals, I am undefeated.”
Current two-term Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate raised $15,600 in November and ended the month with $532,728 on hand.
Commercial real estate developer Nicole Wadsworth raised $22,000 last month and ended November with more than $246,000 on hand.
Dean Odle and Patrick Bishop round out the Republican field. No Democrats have begun raising money in this contest.