Alabama Governor Kay Ivey can’t run another term; so begins the speculation of who will take up the mantle following her tenure.
While no one has officially thrown their hat in the ring, political analysts can estimate some likely candidates.
According to Steve Flowers, an Alabama political columnist, the three most obvious successors would be Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, Attorney General Steve Marshall, and Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate. All three government men are also now term-limited.
Ainsworth is widely considered the favorite among Montgomery top brass; furthermore, Yellowhammer News said he has great fundraising ability, and his name recognition is improving. He’s dedicated to conservative ideals, focusing on workforce development, infrastructure and education.
His biggest strength: he already has about a million dollars worth of spending power.
Furthermore, he’s got the power of the polls.
A survey this month showed 34% support Ainsworth. Pate earned 5% favor, with 1% remaining undecided at the moment.
Marshall and Pate can’t compete with Ainsworth financially, Flowers said; however, they could be eyeing Ainsworth’s current spot.
Pate is popular within rural communities, but he may encounter issues getting the entire state on board to his cause.
Marshall has been a continual name in Alabama news, hammering conservative values into the courts; but he could alienate more moderate voters.
Senator Tommy Tuberville, previously rumored to be considering running for governor, has confirmed he will be seeking another term representing Alabama in the Senate. Who knows—he could make a last-minute switch to state politics instead of going again for the Senate—but it currently seems likely he’ll be staying in Washington.
Marshall may also be eyeing a bid at taking Tuberville’s place; experts have said his federal electability would be better than his state electability.
Many sources also mentioned the possibility of a Fob James-type rich candidate swooping in to essentially buy the governor’s seat.
But at the moment, Will Ainsworth seems to be the man to beat. He has the name recognition; he has the experience; he has the polling; but most importantly, he has the money.
