MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey emerged as the overwhelming winner in Alabama’s 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary election Tuesday, garnering nearly 55% of all votes cast as of reporting time.
But, she will have to wait until next month to find out who her Democratic challenger will be.
Ivey will face either Yolanda Flowers or Malika Sanders-Fortier in the Nov. 8 general election. The two Democrats finished Tuesday’s primary in a tie, each garnering around 33% percent of the vote. The runoff election is June 21.
In her victory speech Tuesday night, Ivey expressed gratitude to her supporters for granting her an additional term as Alabama’s 54th chief executive.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am to be here with you all tonight as we celebrate this hard-fought victory,” said Ivey. “Let me tell you this – this could not have happened without each and every single one of you here tonight and watching at home. Your thoughts, your prayers, your support – and your votes – have allowed us to win the Republican primary tonight outright. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Ivey sealed the GOP nomination by fending off the insurgent candidacies of former U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia Lindy Blanchard and businessman Tim James.
After congratulating her opponents on a “hard-fought campaign” and touting the state’s recent economic successes, Ivey took aim at the Democrats’ policies and stated her intentions to continue combating the Biden administration as governor.
“Tonight, we celebrate, but tomorrow, it’s back to work,” she said. “Tonight marks the end of one campaign and the beginning of another. And y’all, this is the most important one yet. The Democrats are going to do everything they can try to take back power in this state and we cannot let them reverse the progress we’ve made in Alabama.
“I’m going to fight every single day to make sure the disaster we see playing out in Washington under Joe Biden never takes root here in Alabama. With your help, we’re going to have an even bigger victory in November and keep Alabama working for four more years.”
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