Barbara Drummond’s Campaign Sees Record Small Donations

Barbara Drummond, a state representative and candidate for mayor in Mobile, has recently disclosed her campaign’s record-breaking number of small donations ahead of the upcoming election. Her campaign reports that the median donation stands at approximately $50, contributed by 2,321 unique individuals, marking the highest number of individual donors for any local government candidate in Mobile’s history.

The campaign emphasizes these small donation figures as proof of Drummond’s substantial grassroots support.

“This unprecedented number of individual contributors demonstrates a solid foundation of support from families, educators, retirees, small business owners, and regular citizens from every part of Mobile,” the campaign stated in an official press release.

Drummond expressed that she feels “completely humbled and energized” by the strong grassroots backing, viewing it as a sign that her policy views resonate with voters.

“This record isn’t solely about our campaign’s contributions. It’s about thousands of individuals investing in a shared vision for Mobile that benefits everyone,” Drummond mentioned. “It shows our message strikes a chord in every neighborhood, fostering genuine economic opportunities and guidance. This is what a people’s movement looks like, and it’s a coalition that will drive us to victory next week.”

In contrast, Drummond’s strategy of relying on small donations stands in stark opposition to former district judge Spiro Cheriogotis, who has been a prominent figure in the general election race. Cheriogotis’s campaign heavily depends on larger contributions from businesses and PACs, reportedly receiving over $10,000 leading up to the election, as highlighted in a Campaign Finance Report submitted to the Alabama Secretary of State.

Adline Clarke, Drummond’s campaign manager, remarked that the differing fundraising methods highlight a broader divergence in the candidates’ visions for Mobile’s future.

“The choice for this election isn’t straightforward,” Clarke stated. “We were aiming for a primary victory, but our campaign is propelled by ordinary Mobile residents rather than a handful of substantial donations. Our opponents are backed by the same corporate interests while our strength lies in having widespread support from the community.”

Having finished first in the August 26 city election with 32.4% of the vote, Drummond is now focused on defeating Cheriogotis again next Tuesday. If successful, she would make history as Mobile’s first black female mayor.