Lindy Blanchard graciously conceded her candidacy for Alabama Governor after coming in second, far behind incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey.
At a watch party held by Blanchard at a small chapel in Pike Road, Alabama, onlookers observed as the votes poured in. Although Blanchard never gained enough ground on Gov. Kay Ivey, she was able to distance herself from her closest competition, Tim James, slowly and consistently.
Ivey won by a large margin, gaining 55% of the vote, putting Blanchard in second place with an estimable 19%. James would take third place with 16%, marking his third defeat as a gubernatorial candidate in Alabama.
Blanchard told 1819 News that she was not surprised at her lead against James.
“I could feel it on the campaign trail,” Blanchard said.
Blanchard originally announced her candidacy for the United States Senate in February 2021. She intended to replace Richard Shelby, who is retiring at the end of his current term. Blanchard suspended her Senate campaign in December of 2021 to announce her candidacy for governor.
She has consistently run her campaign on the promise that she will improve Alabama’s school system and improve the state’s economic structure by promoting small businesses.
Blanchard’s family came early to the watch party and stated they were settled in for a long night. The tiny chapel was filled to the brim with Blanchard's family members and supporters, who became more and more rambunctious as Blanchard’s vote count grew. The crowd occasionally applauded as the numbers came in.
Blanchard entered the political arena after she was appointed as ambassador to Slovenia by President Donald Trump. While in Slovenia, Blanchard worked with local officials on items like energy and nuclear issues, where she got a firsthand look at a socialist government in action.
This election was her first for public office.
Ivey publicly announced her victory before Blanchard entered the building to offer her concession.
Blanchard entered the building sharing hugs with weeping friends and family. Although her supporters were clearly upset at the results, Blanchard took the stage to offer gratitude and a hopeful outlook on Alabama’s future.
“I do want to say, first of all: guess what? We are all still living the dream; we are living in the United States of America.” Blanchard said. “Obviously, the people of Alabama have spoken, and we’re a team. We are the Republican party, the Grand Old Party, and we stick together no matter what.”
Blanchard expressed gratitude to her campaign team and hinted at her future political involvement in Alabama.
“I’m looking forward to the next step,” Blanchard said. “Because guess what? When God closes a door, what happens? He opens another door.”
Blanchard extended an offer to the victorious Ivey to assist in any government affairs in which she may be needed.
“Alabama will move forward, and we know that,” Blanchard said. "I’m always going to be a team player, and if the governor needs help in any area, I’m always willing, I’m always going to step up for the children of this state, I’ve been doing it for 17 years, and it’s been a pleasure and an honor, and I’ll continue to do that.
“So reach out. And just know, Gov. Ivey, that we are on their team. We are all Republicans.”
Despite the generally somber mood amongst attendees, Blanchard stated that she was ultimately happy with the result.
“Hey, second place isn’t bad when you’re a newbie against an incumbent,” Blanchard told 1819 News. “That’s what I’ve been telling everybody. Hey! I’m still having fun.”
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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