Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth has full faith in Alabama Republicans heading into the election, predicting it’ll be a “strong night” for the Alabama GOP, but for Republicans nationally, it could be a different story.
“I think Republicans are going to do fine in our state,” Ainsworth said.
“I think nationally it’s a tougher environment because people are looking more at what’s going on in D.C., but I think in Alabama, because of what Republicans in our state have done, we’re going to be in good shape.”
Ainsworth pointed to the grocery tax reduction, school choice, education improvements, workforce development and supporting military families as reasons for his confidence, discussing the matter on “The Rightside” with Allison Sinclair and Amie Beth Shaver, in partnership withYellowhammer News.
“If you look at what we did in Alabama over the last four years, we’ve probably been the most conservative legislature in our state’s history. And we’ve got a good track record, and the state’s in a good spot,” he said.
As far as the gubernatorial race goes, Ainsworth is confident in Coach’s win. He went on to praise Tuberville’s playbook, saying “they’re going to do a lot of good things to make our state even better.”
One of the races drawing quite a few headlines is Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District between U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) and State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise). After the legislature redrew the district, the race has been more-or-less a toss up, with Sabato’s Crystal Ball moving the district from “Likely Republican” to “Leans Republican” and finally, “Leans Democratic” on Monday.
“I’m predicting that we’re going to have a better-than-expected Republican turnout in Alabama and that Rhett squeaks it out barely. I’m talking about like 50.5 to 49.5,” Ainsworth said.
He isn’t worried about a blue wave in Alabama, but nationally, he said Democrats are gaining traction because “they’re the ones that are angry and mad right now, and that normally generates more turnout.”
He also thinks the Democrats will take control of the Senate, 51-49.
“I hope we keep the Senate, but I don’t think we do,” he said.
“I think in Alabama overall, a good night for Republicans is my prediction,” Ainsworth said.
Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Watch “The Rightside with Allison and Amie Beth” weekdays from 10am-12pm at www.rightsidemedia.org.
Evy Gallagher is the managing editor for Yellowhammer News. You can contact her at [email protected]
