Kay Ivey Wins GOP Nomination for Governor
Gov. Kay Ivey clinched the Republican nomination in Alabama’s gubernatorial primary race Tuesday, and now she seeks to win the office outright after her appointment 14 months ago, when predecessor Robert Bentley resigned in the fallout of a sex-tinged scandal.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, evangelist Scott Dawson and state Sen. Bill Hightower didn’t collectively pull enough votes to force Ivey into a runoff. She will face the Democratic nominee in November.
In campaigning, Ivey emphasized the state’s falling unemployment rate, a robust economy and the quieting of the Bentley scandal.
“I’m proud of all we’ve gotten accomplished in these 14 months,” Ivey said during a Monday campaign stop in Montgomery. “When I became governor, I told the people we would clean up government, restore the people’s trust, and we would bring back our conservative values, and we have.”
Bentley’s resignation came after an alleged affair with a staffer prompted an ethics investigation and an impeachment push against him. Then-Lt. Gov. Ivey became governor in April 2017.
Ivey’s challengers had condemned her refusal to debate. They indirectly questioned whether the 73-year-old is healthy enough to complete a full term. In response, Ivey released a letter from her doctor saying she has no medical issues that would prevent her “from fulfilling her obligations as governor.”
Alabama hasn’t elected a Democrat to the governor’s office since 1998. Energized by the December victory of U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, the party is seeking a resurgence in state politics.
Governor Kay Ivey tonight issued the following statement after securing the Republican nomination for Governor of Alabama:
“We’ve been saying it for months but now the results have made it clear: Alabama is working again!
“To everyone who voted to keep Alabama working, thank you! And for those who supported another candidate, I’m going to work hard to earn your support because I know that together we can make Alabama an even greater place to live, work, visit, and raise a family.
“In the last 14 months, we’ve won one conservative achievement after another, but I can promise you this: I am not done!
“I’m going to keep fighting for honest, straightforward, tell-it-like-it-is government. I’m going to keep fighting to make sure we bring more jobs to Alabama. I’m going to keep fighting to make sure our children have the education they need and deserve. I’m going to keep fighting to improve the state’s infrastructure. And, above all, I am going to keep fighting to maintain your trust and work hard on your behalf.
“I’m grateful to the people of Alabama for their support throughout this journey, and I am honored to be chosen as the Republican nominee for Governor. I humbly ask for the people’s continued support, prayers and votes in November. Let’s keep up the good fight!”
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