MONTROSE, Ala. — With the race to secure the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate heating up, State Sen. Trip Pittman (R-Montrose) is hauling in some serious campaign donations. According to numbers from the Federal Election Commission, Pittman has fundraised $302,545 from over 200 unique contributors.

Over 90 percent of Pittman’s contributions have come from inside the state of Alabama, a pattern that goes back to his successful efforts to win state-level office. His only PAC donation came from the University of South Alabama.

“The people of Alabama need someone with integrity,” Pittman said. “I am running to shake up Washington, not to be part of the problem. Alabama needs to select their next Senator, not the Washington money crowd or a disgraced former Governor. I am 100 percent committed to this race, and have no interest in any other elected office.”

Pittman was first elected to the Alabama State Senate in 2007 in a special election to replace Congressman Bradley Byrne. He was reelected in 2014 with 81 percent of the vote. Prior to his time in the state house, Pittman served in the Alabama National Guard and Individual Ready Reserve until he was honorably discharged in 1996. He is also a small business owner and the founder of Pittman Tractor Company.

The South Alabama legislator is one of several Republicans seeking to replace now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions. In addition to Pittman, the incumbent, Luther Strange, has been challenged in the GOP primary by Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL5), Roy Moore, Randy Brinson, Dom Gentile, Bryan Peeples, and Mary Maxwell. The primary will be held on August 15.