What We’re Watching In Alabama Tonight
There are several primaries we’re watching in Alabama tonight, all on the GOP side. Note that all of these races could potentially go to a runoff on June 21 if no candidate gets a majority.
- Senate: Polls indicate a tight three-way race for this open seat being vacated by Sen. Richard Shelby. Former Business Council of Alabama President Katie Britt has Shelby’s endorsement; Rep. Mo Brooks used to have Trump’s endorsement, but he rescinded it back in March, probably to avoid an embarrassing defeat since Brooks was lagging in the polls. Ironically, though, Brooks has surged again in the weeks since Trump un-endorsed him. Finally, former Army helicopter pilot Mike Durant has spent more than any other candidate, at $7 million.
- Governor: Incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey is popular but still faces a couple credible Republican opponents: former ambassador to Slovenia Lindy Blanchard and businessman Tim James. Ivey has raised $6.6 million and used it to air ads showing off her pro-Trump bona fides, like her belief that the 2020 election was stolen. As a result, she is well ahead in the polls but isn’t a sure bet to get over 50 percent and avoid a runoff.
- 5th District: This safely Republican seat is open because Brooks is running for Senate. Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong has raised the most money but has been attacked for relocating a local Confederate monument. Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Casey Wardynski is his main hard-right opposition.
- Secretary of state: This job is also open because the incumbent is term-limited. Three of the four candidates, including the two polling leaders (Auditor Jim Zeigler and state Rep. Wes Allen), have at least nodded at the Big Lie, or the idea that the 2020 election was fraudulent. Only Ed Packard, who worked in the secretary of state’s office for 24 years but is polling in last place, has said no large-scale voter fraud took place.
For more details on these primaries, check out our full preview from Monday morning.