Alabama’s statewide primary election isn’t until May 24, 2022, but some Republican candidates are already making known their intentions to run in next year’s GOP primary.

At least two statewide constitutional offices will have vacancies up in the 2022 election, the office of State Auditor, currently held by Jim Zeigler, and Secretary of State, currently held by John Merrill. Both Zeigler and Merrill are term-limited and cannot run for reelection.

Last month, State Rep. Wes Allen (R-Troy) announced he was running for Secretary of State. Among others mentioned for the Secretary of State office include Zeigler. State Rep. Andrew Sorrell (R-Muscle Shoals), former State Sen. Rusty Glover (R-Semmes) and State School Board member Jackie Zeigler are included in names discussed for the State Auditor opening.

However, former Alabama Republican Party chairwoman Terry Lathan will not be a candidate for either of those offices.

During an appearance on Mobile radio’s FM Talk 106.5, she addressed rumors she could be seeking either of those seats. Lathan told listeners she was recovering from knee surgery and hoped to back up to speed in time to help Republicans’ cause in 2022. However, she was not considering a run herself.

“[I]’m also trying to fight off rumors that I’m running for Secretary of State or Auditor,” she said. “They have never been true. But I’ve also found in politics, as hard as I try to stop those rumors, I can’t. So I guess I can publicly state and I’m very honored that so many people have reached out to me. I do love election law, election integrity. But Jeff, I like [helping] the party behind the scenes more than in the front. So, a lot going on in the last three months.”

@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.