Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) was the overwhelming winner in Tuesday’s Republican primary. Ivey won 56% of the vote, defeating eight GOP primary rivals to win without a runoff. The governor’s campaign consultant Austin Chambers told reporters that they thought this outcome was “impossible” when the campaign began given that they were outspent by over $6 million.
Ivey came out on stage after 10 p.m. to cheer on the election results. The jubilant governor thanked the members of her campaign and predicted victory in the Nov. general election.
“Tonight, the people of Alabama spoke loud and clear in favor of our conservative record,” Ivey said, declaring victory.
The governor thanked all of her supporters and voters for their work and votes that ”have allowed us to win the Republican primary outright.”
“I am so proud to be your governor,” Ivey said. “This has been a hard-fought campaign. We have created 65,000 jobs and still counting. We have the lowest unemployment in the history of our state and for the last eighteen consecutive months in the entire southeast.
“We know how it is done in sweet home Alabama,” Ivey said. “Tonight, we celebrate and tomorrow we get back to work. The Democrats are going to do everything they can to try to take back power in the state of Alabama. We cannot let them reverse the progress that we have made.”
Throughout the campaign, Ivey ignored her opponents and focused her efforts on attacking President Joe Biden.
“I am going to continue to be President Biden’s biggest roadblock,” Ivey said. “As I have said before….poor Joe.
“We look forward to having a bigger victory in November and keep Alabama moving forward four more years. There is no doubt that the best is yet to come for as you know there is no step too high for a high stepper.”
Ivey is only the second woman to be elected governor and if elected in November, would be the first woman in Alabama history to win re-election.
Ivey grew up on a cattle farm in Wilcox County. She graduated from Auburn University and spent years teaching in California before returning to her native Alabama where she had held a number of positions in state government. In 2002, she was elected State Treasurer, re-elected in 2006 and then elected Lt. Gov. in 2010. She was re-elected in 2014 and then was elevated to governor in 2017 when then Gov. Robert Bentley (R) resigned. Ivey was elected in her own right in 2018.
Lindy Blanchard finished a distant second with 19% of the vote in what was her first run for public office. She had previously been a U.S. Senate candidate but switched to the governor’s race when her Senate campaign failed to gain traction.
Greenville businessman Tim James finished in third in the race after polling in second place for most of the campaign. Tuesday’s 16% finish marked the third time that James has finished third in a Republican primary. His father, Auburn football legend Fob James, was elected Governor in 1978 and again in 1994. Tim James, however, ran unsuccessfully in 2002, 2010, and 2022. Tonight’s loss could signal the final chapter of the James’ family’s prominent role in 50 years of Alabama politics.
James said that the people of Alabama have spoken. He thanked his campaign team for their hard work and congratulated Ivey on her victory.
Birmingham businessman Lew Burdette finished fourth with just 6% of the vote. Burdette is a Birmingham area businessman in his first political race ever. Burdette congratulated Ivey in his concession speech.
There will be a runoff in the Alabama Democratic Primary runoff between Yolanda Rochelle Flowers and Malika Sanders-Fortier. The Democratic primary runoff will be on June 21. Ivey will face the eventual Democratic nominee in the Nov. 8 general election.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
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