Tuesday was a massive electoral victory for Alabama conservatives, from statewide contests to legislative battles, with Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan lauding the “historic night” and thanking the voters who made it possible.
Governor Kay Ivey trounced Mayor Walt Maddox to win a full term, as did Attorney General Steve Marshall against Joseph Siegelman. In the chief justice race, Associate Justice Tom Parker comfortably defeated Judge Bob Vance, while state Rep. Will Ainsworth (R-Guntersville) cruised to victory in the lieutenant governor contest, as did Secretary of State John Merrill, State Auditor Jim Zeigler, PSC Place 1 Commissioner Jeremy Oden and PSC Place 2 Commissioner Chip Beeker in their respective reelection bids.
Republicans won all statewide judicial races in addition to the chief justice race, led by Jay Mitchell’s easy win over Democrat Donna Smalley in the Supreme Court associate justice place four contest. Then, there were the four constitutional amendments, which all passed comfortably – even Amendment Two, which faced approximately $1.5 million in out-of-state, dark money opposition.
Perhaps the most impressive feat by Alabama Republicans came in the battle for control over the state legislature. Republicans, already with supermajorities in both chambers, picked up seats in the state senate and state house.
Republicans gained one seat in the Alabama Senate, now having a 27 – 8 supermajority. In the State House of Representatives, Republicans gained five seats, bringing their supermajority to 77 – 28.
In a statement Tuesday night, Lathan declared victory, as a red wave came to fruition in the Yellowhammer State.
“Congratulations to all our Alabama Republican candidates. Tonight is a historic night in Alabama. For the first time in our state’s history, Alabama broke the glass ceiling and elected Kay Ivey as our first female Republican governor. We fully support Governor Ivey as she continues to lead Alabama with strength and integrity,” Lathan said.
She continued, “Stepping into the arena of public service requires sacrifice on the part of both a candidate and their family. Our state party is truly grateful for every single man and woman who chose to serve our state in this way.”
This was a win for Alabama Republicans from top to bottom.
“We congratulate our Alabama Republican Congressional Delegation, state constitutional officers, legislative and judicial candidates on their campaign wins,” Lathan added.
“Most importantly, we extend our deepest gratitude to our GOP voters that showed up to the polls today. These victories would not be possible without them. Every Republican vote cast today represents the conservative direction that Alabamians expect from our elected officials. Because of our GOP leadership and policies, Alabama and America are thriving,” the ALGOP chair concluded.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
