Mobile mayoral candidate Spiro Cheriogotis is pulling away from his opponents in campaign contributions.
The former Mobile County district judge's total campaign contributions for the 2025 municipal election are $845,730.88, according to the Alabama Secretary of State's website.
The Connie Hudson campaign has $534,709.08, but $158,207.17 of that was a transfer from her county commission election fund. All other candidates have raised less than $200,000.
The Cheriogotis campaign has over 30 interns, made over 11,000 phone calls and knocked on nearly 7,000 doors, resulting in 597 donors.
"I'm really proud of the hard work we've done with the fundraising," Cheriogotis said. "It's been really staying committed to getting our phone calls out, a lot of personal meetings, a lot of lunches and just meeting with people who are concerned about where Mobile is."
The donations come from every zip code in Mobile and throughout the state. Cheriogotis believes people in other cities care about what's happening in Mobile because it is an economic driver, housing the Port of Alabama.
"I think there are people around the state that are very interested in what is happening and what will happen in this mayor's race," Cheriogotis said. "They want to see that they've got a partner who understands the future of the city and the state and will seek to continue to grow."
Of the donations, 45.7% were under $1,000; 36% ranged from $1,000 to 2,499; 7% ranged from $2,500 to 4,999; 8.4% ranged from $5,000 to 7,499; and 2.8% were $7,500+.
The highest donation to the Cheriogotis campaign so far is $15,000 from Autry Greer & Sons, Inc., which Cheriogotis' in-laws own.
The second-highest was $13,620 from One Mobile PAC, a political action committee with ties to current Mayor Sandy Stimpson, who has endorsed Cheriogotis.
Cheriogotis said he is honored to receive the endorsement, and he wants to build upon Stimpson's work.
"We can't be content just to get some of these major projects done," Cheriogotis said. "We have to continue to look forward to what's next for the city and how we can continue to push the ball forward, continue with our economic development and make sure that the progress of the city is felt in every neighborhood of our city."
Cheriogotis said his hard work fundraising for the campaign is an example of how he will work for the city.
With an optimistic outlook on the future of Mobile, Cheriogotis said he is connecting with more donors. He said Mobile is poised for great things.
Since announcing his run for mayor, Cheriogotis said he has learned there is a need to address housing, public transportation and education, while continuing his focus on public safety.
"I'm always looking at ways to help supplement and partner with the county school system," Cheriogotis said. "Preschool is something that I really honed in on as a way that we can supplement what the school system is doing."
The campaign is hosting events, such as a crawfish boil for young voters and neighborhood gatherings, to engage with the community and meet constituents.
"Every single vote matters to me," said Cheriogotis. "I want to be a mayor for every single citizen in this city."
Cheriogotis said he plans to run a clean race and avoid personal attacks.
Other candidates have raised as follows:
Barbara Drummond - $182,169.25
Jermaine Burrell - $157,828.54
Paul Prine - $94,519.11
Lawrence Battiste - $19,453.32
Michael Woodard - $580
Municipal elections will be held on August 26.
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