Al Abdelaziz, who is running against Andre Sayegh in the 6th Ward, reported he raised $47,450 in campaign cash, according to his filings with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC).

Abdelaziz expected to raise $65,000 to $70,000 from a November fundraiser he hosted at Syraan Restaurant.

“We had $64,000 in commitments,” said Abdelaziz on Monday morning. “Many people have committed and we’re following up.” He said his campaign is working on ensuring those commitments are fulfilled.

“That’s a far cry from $70,000,” remarked Sayegh. “I taught him history, not math.”

Sayegh teaches at William Paterson University. Abdelaziz attended the university from 2005 to 2009 in order to obtain a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, according to government records.

“A lot of the support we’re getting are from people who supported Andre,” said Abdelaziz. The councilman said his donors continue to support him and his re-election to the council seat.

Sayegh has $27,037 in campaign cash on hand, according to his campaign filings.

Abdelaziz raised $12,600 in reportable contribution from city businesses and voters while $29,500 came from businesses and individuals in other municipalities largely Clifton, Wayne, and Totowa, according to campaign filings.

“Many people who donated have a vested interest in Paterson,” said Abdelaziz of large sums of outside money being poured into a local election. The challenger received the second highest amounts of contributions from Clifton.

The main thoroughfares in the southern part of the city like Main Street and Lakeview Avenue continue into Clifton creating a natural affinity to the Silk City.

Abdelaziz also added he has many more fundraisers planned before the May municipal elections.