Justice Sarah Stewart is touting that her campaign hauled in more than $157,000 in campaign funds and spoke to standing-room only crowds across the state.

Stewart reported 304 contributions from individuals and small businesses. She raised  $42,380.27 through her online efforts and said her average contribution was $516.71.

“I am incredibly thankful for the support I have been shown,” Stewart said. “It was great to officially get the campaign kicked off, see so many wonderful friends, and talk with voters about why I’m running for chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.”

Alabama law only allowed candidates for public office running in the March 2024 primaries a period of 48 hours to raise campaign donations before a black-out period that began midnight Tuesday. The ban on political fundraising ends following the final day of the 2023 regular legislative session, most likely in June.

“I want folks in Alabama to trust justice works in our court system,” she said. “As chief justice, I will make sure that Alabama’s justice system is always working for you, that no courthouse is ever closed to justice, and I will proudly stand up for the Constitution every day.”