MONTGOMERY — Add Lindy Blanchard's name to the growing list of possible candidates running for governor in 2026.
Following a Capital City Republican Women event on Thursday, Blanchard said she hadn't decided yet whether she would run in 2026. In 2022, Blanchard finished a distant second in a crowded GOP primary challenge to incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey.
"I haven't decided to run or not to run. That's a plan I'll have to be shown in the long run by God the Father. It's always a possibility. It's up to Him," Blanchard told 1819 News.
Ivey is term-limited from running for re-election in 2026. Other possible gubernatorial candidates for 2026 mentioned in various media reports include Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Attorney General Steve Marshall, and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. All three are also term-limited from running for re-election in their current roles.
Blanchard also served as the United States Ambassador to Slovenia under former President Donald Trump from 2019 to 2021. She said she'd be open to joining the Trump administration if he's elected again in November.
"You never want to put the cart before the horse and certainly we want to get (Trump) elected and I'm open for any position if I suit their needs and the nation's needs and how we can do better for this nation," Blanchard said.
Blanchard, who attended the recent Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, said Trump "hasn't changed."
"President Trump is the same man that he was when he first ran the country as President," Blanchard said. "It's the multi diverse Republican Party that we have now. It's all the way from people that have a lot, all the way to people that are trying to reach those same goals. That's what he wants. He wants the people that are trying their best to succeed and to have that open door to move forward and those opportunities. We don't have that now as a nation."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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