The 2022 GOP primary election cycle placed on display the influence Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth wields in Alabama Republican Party politics.
Alabama’s second highest-ranking elected official went unblemished in his endorsements of Republican candidates during the cycle, further solidifying his positioning as one of the Yellowhammer State’s most influential figures.
Ainsworth’s endorsements in the most recent election cycle ranged from candidates seeking election to state government’s top-ranking constitutional offices to legislative candidates.
When issuing endorsements, Ainsworth noted that he actively seeks out candidates that he believes will best carry the banner of conservatism in their official capacities.
“I’m always proud to stand up, support, and endorse the candidates who I believe best represent the deeply conservative principles that most Alabama Republicans share,” said Ainsworth in a statement to Yellowhammer News. “I’m prouder still that of the eleven candidates I publicly endorsed during the Republican primary and runoff elections, all eleven of them won and earned our party’s nomination.”
He added, “My congratulations go out to Gov. Kay Ivey, Sen. Garlan Gudger, Sen. Randy Price, Senator-elect Lance Bell, Rep. Debbie Wood, Rep. Parker Moore, Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter, House District 20 nominee James Lomax, House District 28 nominee Mack Butler, and Public Service Commissioners Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker.”
Ainsworth expressed his gratitude to those willing to put their names forward as candidates for public office given the arduous task of campaigning.
“Running for office and offering yourself for public service takes courage, so everyone who puts their name on the ballot – whether they win or fall short – deserves our respect and thanks for participating in the electoral process,” concluded Ainsworth.
Ainsworth’s ascension from state lawmaker to lieutenant governor was swift, as he was elected to the second highest-ranking constitutional office in 2018 after serving just one term in the Alabama House of Representatives.
In his capacity, Ainsworth has not only made use of his influence in political affairs. He has leveraged his clout legislatively as well.
He emerged as a champion for making Alabama one of the most attractive states in the nation for service members and their families. Alongside promoting legislation to further support Alabama’s robust aerospace and defense industry, the lieutenant governor has been one of the leading advocates for pro-business policies.
Additionally, Ainsworth became one of the Biden administration’s leading critics regarding the White House’s restrictive COVID-19 mandates for individuals and businesses.
As it relates to issues of importance to the conservative grassroots base of the Republican Party, Ainsworth actively utilized his influence concerning the passage of anti-abortion legislation, constitutional carry, among other measures.
Ainsworth, who did not face a primary challenger this cycle, will begin his second term as lieutenant governor after the November 8 general election.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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