Incumbent Republican Gov. Kay Ivey (R) was the keynote speaker at the Winston County Republican Party annual Ronald Reagan Dinner on Saturday in Double Springs.
State Rep. Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley) introduced the governor.
“It is great to be here tonight with so many friends and dedicated Republicans,” Wadsworth said. “Our governor has helped us deliver some very important projects to Winston County particularly here recently.”
“It is certainly an honor and a privilege to be with you in Winston County tonight,” Ivey said.
Hundreds of residents and guests attended the event.
“Y'all, I couldn’t be more proud of what I have done and achieved in my first term in office," Ivey said.“We have created one of the best business climates in the entire country. We have created over 50,000 new jobs.”
Ivey promised, “To keep our elections safe and secure."
“We have passed the strongest pro-life bill in the country,” Ivey said. “We have fought to keep our schools, our businesses and economy open” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have all had to deal with the consequences of the Biden administration in Washington and what he and the mainstream media have inflicted on our economy."
Ivey said that her administration has opposed the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 vaccination mandates.
“We fought back,” Ivey said. “Vaccine mandates do not have a place in Alabama.”
“His mandates are dead here in Alabama,” Ivey said. “We sued him in court, and we won.
“Critical Race Theory is dead in Alabama and we are not bringing it back on my watch. I banned biological boys from competing in girls’ sports. It is unbelievable to me that a topic like this has to even be addressed, but that is the state of the world we are living in.
The governor said the "greatest days of our economy and our state are ahead of us."
“Republicans are committed to preserving our conservative ideas despite Washington D.C.’s efforts,” Ivey said. “I am proud to say with full confidence that we will be successful.
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told 1819 News that this was Gov. Ivey’s second large event since the bicentennial in 2019.
“Alabama’s economy has remained solid during unprecedented times,” Jones said. “Governor Ivey and her administration understand that the private sector creates the jobs, and the executive branch has the ability to facilitate creative solutions and shape policies that aid in the recruitment and retention of companies that will keep our economy strong and diversified. We thank Governor Ivey for her commitment to keeping Alabama open for business.”
Wadsworth said that the governor has helped Winston County with a $7.5 million replacement of Duncan Bridge and delivered over $2 million for Highway 278 improvements from Double Springs to Natural Bridge.
Ivey faces a crowded Republican primary on May 24.
Lindy Blanchard, Lew Burdette, Stacy Lee George, Kay Ivey, Tim James, Donald Trent Jones, Dean Odle, Dave Thomas, and Dean Young are all running in the Republican primary.
Yolanda Rochelle Flowers, Patricia Salter Jamieson, Arthur Kennedy, Chad "Chig" Martin, Malika Sanders Fortier, and Doug "New Blue" Smith are all running for Governor in the Democratic primary.
The two major-party nominees will face off in the Nov. 8 general election.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
