With just one week left to qualify for office with either of the two major political parties, most of the announced candidates have now qualified - and there are some surprises, including some newcomers to political races.
While there are several Republicans who have qualified for statewide races, very few Democrats have qualified for most of the available positions.
Governor remains the most crowded field in the slate with 10 qualified candidates seeking the office.
Incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey (R) has qualified to run for a second term as the chief executive of the state of Alabama, but even some Republicans are questioning if Ivey should get another term.
Lee County Pastor and schoolmaster Dean Odle, Springville Mayor and former State Rep. Dave Thomas, former Ambassador to Slovenia Lynda "Lyndy" Blanchard, former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy George, King's Home President Lew Burdette, and Greenville businessman Tim James have all qualified to challenge Ivey in the Republican primary.
On the Democratic side, Patricia Salter Jamieson has joined Yolanda Rochelle Flowers and Enterprise businessman and musician Chad “Chig” Martin in pursuit of the Democratic nomination for governor.
U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) is retiring from the seat he has held since 1986, and four Republicans are running to replace him.
These include: Karla Dupriest, Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL05), U.S. Army veteran Mike Durant, and former Business Council of Alabama President and CEO Katie Boyd Britt. Like most statewide races, no Democrat has yet qualified for the U.S. Senate seat.
There are also many other races of interest.
Below is a partial breakdown of races and candidates:
Patrick Bishop Sr. (R) is challenging incumbent Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth (R) in the Republican primary.
Incumbent Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) is seeking re-election.
State Rep. Wes Allen (R-Troy) and longtime Secretary of State’s office election official Ed Packard are running for Alabama Secretary of State in the Republican Primary.
Incumbent Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate (R) is running for reelection.
State Rep. Andrew Sorrell (R-Muscle Shoals), pastor Stan Cooke, former State Sen. Rusty Glover (R-Semmes), and Florence attorney Brent Woodall are all running in the Republican primary for State Auditor.
Incumbent Young Boozer (R) is running for another term as State Treasurer.
Incumbent Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice Kelli Wise (R) is running for re-election.
Greg Cook (R) and Judge Debra Jones (R) are running for an open seat on the state Supreme Court.
Incumbent Public Service Commissioner Jeremy Oden (R) is being challenged by Tallassee Mayor Johnny Hammock. Hammock was recently arrested in Orange Beach on a domestic violence charge.
Incumbent Public Service Commissioner Chip Beeker (R) is seeking re-election.
Alabama has seven congressional districts.
CD1: Incumbent Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) is running for re-election.
CD2: Incumbent Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) is running for re-election.
CD3: Incumbent Mike Rogers (R-Saks) is seeking another term in Congress.
CD4: Incumbent Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) is running for what would be his fourteenth term in Congress.
CD5 is open. Educator Andy Blalock, former State Sen. Paul Sanford (R-Huntsville), Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong, John Roberts, former Asst. Sec. of Defense Casey Wardynski, and Harrison Wright are all running in the Republican primary.
CD6: Incumbent Gary Palmer (R) is running for re-election.
CD7: Incumbent Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-Selma) is being challenged by Beatrice Nichols (R) in the general election.
This is simply a list of qualified candidates and does not include announced candidates who have not yet qualified. Qualifying for both major parties continues through Jan. 28 and ends promptly at 5:00 p.m. that day.
For more information about qualifying with the Alabama Republican Party, see 2022 Candidate Qualifying - Alabama Republican Party (algop.org)
For more information about qualifying with the Alabama Democratic Party, see Run For Office | Alabama Democrats (aldemocrats.org)
The major party primaries are on May 24.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
