Ivey retirement rumored; Daniels for state Senate? and more …

Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama

 

Retirement rumors persist

Rumors continue to swirl that Gov. Kay Ivey is planning to step down. Plagued by health issues, the 80-year-old governor has been in office since 2017 when she took over for then-Gov. Robert Bentley. A Montgomery insider reports first it was a prison now they are talking about naming a rest stop after her, “These are the conversations you have when someone is retiring,” he said. Should Ivey retire before her term is up in 2026, Lt. Gov Will Ainsworth would assume Alabama’s top spot.  

Daniels for Senate, perhaps?

Another rumor concerning Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels is gaining steam. We reported in November that Daniels was being urged to run for Tom Butler’s State Senate District 2 seat in the 2026 election. The North Alabama representative has served in the Alabama House since 2014 and is popular among Democrats and Republicans alike. Another rumored candidate for the District 2 seat is John Roberts. An associate close to Butler maintains the senior statesman will be running for reelection, despite numerous reports otherwise. 

Seifert seeking reelection

In Madison, City Council President John Seifert has announced his reelection campaign. Elected in 2016, Seifert is known for his involvement throughout the community. Seifert ran unopposed in his previous election but it seems a political newcomer is throwing his hat in the ring for the 2025. A local politico remarked Seifert is well regarded within the community, “John is well known and very well liked. He has built strong relationships within Madison, as well as with state leaders and neighboring communities. He’s smart, he’s involved, he’s very Madison.” 

President Thornton

Melanie Thornton has been tapped to serve as the president of the Women’s Economic Development Council. Thornton is currently the chief executive officer of Burritt on the Mountain and will serve in the volunteer role at WEDC to lead the Huntsville/Madison County association made up of 130 female leaders in business, defense, nonprofit and industry. We hear Thornton will have big plans to announce in the coming year – it seems the WEDC, Momentum and Leadership Greater Huntsville will be unveiling a new collaborative project.