By Sam Mattison
Alabama Political Reporter
Potential Gubernatorial Candidate Twinkle Cavanaugh raised more money than any other candidate in the Governor’s race so far.
Cavanaugh’s financial disclosures from June show she had much support from individual donations. In total, she raised $69,336 in the month with the median donation being $100.
A statement from her campaign said the donations came from 170 unique individuals and businesses from 43 different Alabama towns.
“I’ve been humbled and encouraged by the support I’ve received from Alabamians in every corner of our State,” Cavanaugh said. “We need a high-energy conservative Governor that will move our state forward, which is why I’m 100 percent committed to winning this election.”
This brings Cavanaugh’s total to $564,806. Cavanaugh initially donated $500,000 to kickstart her campaign. Cavanaugh’s total funds are now bigger than any other candidate running for Governor.
“Stay tuned,” Cavanaugh said. “We have the momentum, and our team will continue to grow every day.”
Cavanaugh currently is the president of the Public Service Commission. She has been the president since 2012 and served as the associate commissioner from 2010 to 2012.
Before serving on the Public Service Commission she was the deputy chief of staff and senior advisor for Alabama Governor Bob Riley. She has also served as the executive director of the Alabama Republican Party and was the first female chair of the Alabama Republican Party.
She made the decision to run for governor in March by creating a campaign committee. With these new donations, she could formally announce her candidacy shortly. A statement from her campaign said she is the front-runner in the race.
Cavanaugh has described herself as a “lifelong Republican” who believes in smaller government and fiscal responsibility.
Other Republican candidates in the Governor’s race include Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and State Senator Bill Hightower. Candidates expected to jump into the race include State Auditor Jim Zeigler and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillian.
Democratic candidates include Jason Childs, Chris Countryman, and former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Sue Cobb.
Governor Kay Ivey has not yet said whether she will run for Governor. The election is set for November 2018.
