Incumbent Secretary of State John Merrill, a Republican, out-raised his Democratic challenger, Heather Milam, by about a 3-1 ratio in August, according to monthly campaign finance reports filed Wednesday.

For the month, Merrill raised $28,110 in cash contributions and $4,010 in in-kind contributions. Since kicking off his re-election campaign, Merrill has outspent his Democratic challenger by a greater than 15-1 ratio.

Merrill’s largest contribution for the month was $5,000 from Title PAC, representing the state’s title insurance industry. The organization – made up of title agents, real estate agents, closing attorneys, underwriters and their associates – lobbies on behalf of the industry.

Merrill also received a $1,500 in-kind contribution from the Guntersville-based Dream Ranch, a hunting and fishing resort owned by Republican lieutenant gubernatorial candidate Will Ainsworth.

Milam raised $11,310 in cash contributions in August, including a $1,500 contribution from Nelson Brooke of Birmingham.

So far in the 2018 race, Merrill’s campaign has raised a total of $897,223 and spent $682,075. Milam has received a total of $48,539 and spent $38,656.

All secretary of state candidates in the primary and general elections so far have spent $722,722, according to the state website.

The general election is Nov. 6.

Here are the August contributions of $1,000 or more for the Merrill and Milam.

John Merrill

$5,000: Title PAC, Birmingham.

$1,500: Dream Ranch (in-kind), Guntersville.

$1,250: Kim McCarson (in-kind), Eastaboga.

$1,000: Sharon Ainsworth, Guntersville; Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood PAC, Montgomery; F.M. Reilly, Tuscaloosa; Green Tree PAC, Tuscaloosa; R.M. Greene Inc., Phenix City.

Heather Milam

$1,500: Nelson Brooke, Birmingham.