Three weeks after announcing plans to run for Georgia Supreme Court in 2018, Court of Appeals Judge John Ellington has reported raising more than $370,000 for his campaign.
Ellington's first contribution disclosure report for 2018, filed with the Georgia Campaign Finance Commission, shows a total of $370,309 raised through June 30. He has reported no expenses to date.
Two other lawyers have launched campaigns to fill Ellington's open seat on the Court of Appeals: Kenneth Hodges III and Kenneth Shigley.
In their own disclosures, Hodges reported raising $143,228 thus far; Shigley, $186,931.
"Considering we launched this campaign just a few short weeks ago, I'm encouraged by the tremendous support we've received from throughout the state, from Ringgold to St. Marys and all points in between," Herbert Phipps a retired Court of Appeals judge and Ellington's campaign treasurer said in a news release Tuesday. "Our donations come from Republicans and Democrats, business leaders, law enforcement and every segment of the legal community."
"While this is a great start, it's just a start," Ellington said in the release. "I'll work hard until the election next year to raise the significant funds needed to communicate with voters in a state with 10 million people. I appreciate all those who have shown their faith in this effort."
Ellington was on a short list of nominees for three openings Gov. Nathan Deal filled on the Supreme Court last year.
Upon announcing his candidacy on June 22, Ellington told the Daily Report he wants to take his experience to the state's high court.
Ellington is running for the seat now held by Justice Carol Hunstein. She has said she will not run for reelection in 2018 because she will reach the age of 75 before her next six-year term would end. Georgia requires appellate judges to retire before their 75th birthday, or forfeit their pensions.