This week, Governor Kay Ivey received notice that former Alabama Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis has filed a 75-page lawsuit against her, citing eight allegations stemming from his 2024 dismissal.
Joined by his attorney, Kenneth Mendelsohn, Davis held a press conference to discuss the complaint.
According to WSFA News 12, the allegations include wrongful termination, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
Davis was fired by Governor Ivey, who overruled the Alabama Veterans Affairs Board’s decision to retain him in the role.
RELATED: Governor Ivey removes Kent Davis as VA Commissioner using ‘supreme executive power’
The basis of the lawsuit, according to Davis and Mendelsohn, is that the termination was unlawful because at the time, the VA board was the only body with the power to remove him from office, which they refused to do. Since that time, the law has changed with the signing of House Bill 67, giving the governor more oversight, including that authority.
The lawsuit claims Davis’s termination was unlawful because, at the time, the Veterans Affairs Board was the only entity with the authority to remove him—an option the board declined to exercise. Since then, state law has changed with the passage of House Bill 67, which granted the governor expanded oversight, including authority to appoint and remove the commissioner.
Davis said he is seeking either reinstatement or monetary compensation, citing difficulty finding new employment and the fact that he was just 16 months away from retirement when he was removed.
“I think I should still be the commissioner of veterans affairs,” Davis said during the press conference. “That’s not possible? OK. You better be willing to settle, otherwise.”
As for why he believes he was removed, Davis pointed to an ethics complaint he filed against Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell, a member of Ivey’s cabinet. He said he was legally obligated to report the matter.
“In fact, the ethics commission’s final letter to me specifically said in there, ‘Thank you for understanding your obligation to report this to us,’” Davis said. “Is that the point we’ve come to in this country, where you follow the law, do what you’re obligated to do under the law, and you’re punished as a result?”
Mendelsohn said he intends to request a deposition from the governor.
In response to the lawsuit, Governor Ivey’s office issued a statement.
“We are very confident Governor Ivey’s necessary actions will stand any court test there may be.”
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
