2018 Election

Ivey, Maddox Lead in Fundraising for the Governor’s Race

Gov. Kay Ivey raised almost a half million dollars during April and maintains a big financial advantage over her opponents as the campaign for the Republican gubernatorial nomination enters its final month. In the race for the Democratic nomination for governor, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox led in fund-raising during April and in the amount of cash in his account. The parties will hold primary elections June 5 to select their nominees. Read more.

by Glenn Stephens

GOP Candidates Focus on Ivey in Governor’s Debate

Where was Ivey? That was the question of the night during a Thursday debate with three of the four Republican candidates for governor. Evangelist Scott Dawson, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and state Sen. Bill Hightower participated in a debate broadcast live on WVTM. Gov. Kay Ivey declined the invitation, citing prior commitments. Instead she was in Birmingham a few miles away from the debate, throwing out the first pitch at the opening night for the Birmingham Barons at Regions Field. Ivey’s absence at the debate — and on the campaign trail— seemed to bond the three men against a common foe. When given the opportunity to ask the other candidate a question, each man questioned the other on Ivey’s absence. Read more.

by Anita Debro

Education, Jobs, Medicaid Top Issues for Democrats in Governor’s Debate

The top three candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor found more to agree on than disagree on during a debate Wednesday night. Sue Bell Cobb, James Fields and Walt Maddox all favor expanding Medicaid, bolstering workforce development and adopting a lottery, for instance. They each support legalizing medical marijuana, funding improvements to roads and bridges, and providing a quality education to all the state’s children. They all said they believe this is the year a Democrat can win the highest office in this crimson red state. Read more.

by Virginia Martin

Ivey, Cobb Lead Their Parties in Fundraising for the Governor Campaign

Gov. Kay Ivey has amassed a campaign war chest almost equal to that of her three opponents combined as the campaign for the Republican gubernatorial primary enters its final three months. On the Democratic side, former Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb has a slight fundraising advantage over her chief opponent, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox. Read more and see lists of contributors to each candidate.

by Glenn Stephens

Rep. Patricia Todd Won’t Run for Re-Election

Alabama State Rep. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham, has announced that she will not seek re-election. In a press release posted to her Facebook page, Todd cited the “financial burden” of holding public office as the reason for her decision. Read more.

by Sam Prickett