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Alabama gubernatorial election, 2022 (May 24 Republican primary)

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Governor of Alabama
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: January 28, 2022
Primary: May 24, 2022
Primary runoff: June 21, 2022
General: November 8, 2022
Pre-election incumbent(s):
Kay Ivey (Republican)
How to vote
Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voting in Alabama
Ballotpedia analysis
Federal and state primary competitiveness
State executive elections in 2022
Impact of term limits in 2022
State government trifectas
State government triplexes
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2022
Alabama
executive elections
Governor

Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Secretary of State
Treasurer
Auditor
State Board of Education (4 seats)
Agriculture Commissioner
Public Service Commissioner (2 seats)

Incumbent Kay Ivey defeated eight candidates in Alabama's Republican gubernatorial primary on May 24, 2022. Ivey and two other candidates—Lynda Blanchard, and Tim James—led the field in fundraising and media coverage.[1][2]

Ivey was first elected governor in 2018, defeating Walt Maddox (D) 60% to 40%. Before becoming governor, Ivey served as lieutenant governor from 2011 to 2017, and as state treasurer from 2003 to 2011. In a campaign ad, Ivey highlighted her record, saying, “There’s no critical race theory in our schools, I signed the strongest pro-life law in America, I stood with Trump to ensure no election here can ever be stolen, and we created thousands of new jobs.”[3]

Blanchard worked in real estate and founded an international nonprofit to "foster creative solutions to fight poverty and improve the lives of children around the world." In 2019, President Donald Trump (R) appointed Blanchard as the ambassador to Slovenia.[4] In a campaign ad, Blanchard said, “I will use my business experience to create jobs, end vaccine and mask mandates, improve our schools, and restore election security.”[5]

James was the president of Tim James Inc., a company that used private investments to build bridges, roads, and other types of infrastructure. James worked in the construction, transportation, and finance industries.[6] In a campaign ad, James said, “[The left] think America is racist. They think our founding fathers were wrong. They think there are 50 genders, and they want to teach this to our children. [...] It is time to fight back.”[7]

The candidates debated gas prices in the state. Alabama approved a state gas tax increase of 10 cents per gallon in 2019, with the possibility of increases up to one cent every two years. Revenue from the tax was directed toward road and bridge construction. Blanchard said, “we have struggling families and business while our state sits on a surplus and spends enough money to make a drunken sailor blush,” and supported temporarily suspending state taxes on gas.[8] James said, “every time I turn around, every day, I see an announcement about the governor handing out more money to these pet projects,” and said he supported repealing the 2019 increase.[9] Ivey said there were other factors affecting gas prices, saying, “Let’s not lose sight of the main problem here, and that’s Joe Biden’s policies. He’s got inflation at a 40-year record high.”[8]

Lew Burdette (R), Stacy George (R), Donald Jones (R), Dean Odle (R), Dave Thomas (R), and Dean Young (R) also ran in the primary.

A Republican had held the Alabama governorship since the 2002 elections, which was also the last time an incumbent governor was defeated in the state.

Lew Burdette (R) and Dean Odle (R) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. To read those survey responses, click here.

This page focuses on Alabama's Republican Party gubernatorial primary. For more in-depth information on Alabama's Democratic gubernatorial primary and the general election, see the following pages:

HOTP-GOP-Ad-1-Small.png

Election news

Click below to view a timeline leading up to the election, including polling, debates, and other noteworthy events.

Candidates and election results

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Alabama

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Kay Ivey
Kay Ivey
 
54.5
 
357,069
Image of Lynda Blanchard
Lynda Blanchard
 
19.2
 
126,202
Image of Tim James
Tim James
 
16.2
 
106,181
Image of Lew Burdette
Lew Burdette Candidate Connection
 
6.5
 
42,924
Image of Dean Odle
Dean Odle Candidate Connection
 
1.8
 
11,767
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Donald Jones
 
0.6
 
3,821
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Dave Thomas
 
0.4
 
2,886
Image of Stacy George
Stacy George
 
0.4
 
2,546
Image of Dean Young
Dean Young
 
0.4
 
2,356

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 655,752
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Candidate comparison

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Kay Ivey

Image of Kay Ivey

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: 

Biography:  Ivey received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Auburn University. Before she held public office, she was a high school teacher, worked at the Merchants National Bank, and worked for Alabama Gov. Forrest James (D) as an executive assistant for social services and an assistant director of the Alabama Development Office.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Ivey pointed to her record on the economy during her tenure as governor. She said, “Together, the past four years, we’ve created 44,000 new jobs, built the best business climate in all 50 states, and delivered the lowest unemployment in 202 years of trying.”

Ivey said she supported schools, job training programs, and increased funding for schools and teacher salaries. She also said, “The left teaches kids to hate America, but not here. Biden’s critical race theory - racist, wrong, and dead as a doornail. Transgender sports - toast.”

An Ivey campaign ad said, “The fake news, big tech, and blue state liberals stole the election from President Trump.” She said she opposed automatic mail-in ballots, curbside voting, and supported auditing all elections.

Show sources

Sources: Twitter, "Kay Ivey on December 3, 2021," accessed April 29, 2022; Twitter, "Kay Ivey on April 4, 2022," accessed April 29, 2022; Twitter, "Kay Ivey on February 23, 2022," accessed April 29, 2022; YouTube, "Education," June 15, 2021; YouTube, "Kay Ivey Announcement: The Best is Yet to Come.," June 2, 2021; Encyclopedia of Alabama, "Kay Ivey," accessed April 29, 2022

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of Alabama in 2022.

Lynda Blanchard

Image of Lynda Blanchard

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  Blanchard received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Auburn University. She worked in real estate and was a co-founder of the 100X Development Foundation, which aimed to “foster creative solutions to fight poverty and improve the lives of children around the world.” Blanchard served as the ambassador to Slovenia from 2019-2021.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

Blanchard said her business experience would help her address economic issues. She said she would work to increase jobs and reduce taxes, specifically, “freeze the gas tax, get rid of as many occupational licensing taxes as we can, and finally end the tax on groceries.”

Blanchard said she supported expanding school choice and increasing teacher pay. She also said “The current Critical Race Theory ban does not include consequences. My administration will monitor this attempt at social engineering and stop the rewriting of our precious American history.”

A Blanchard campaign ad said, “President Trump trusted Lindy Blanchard with national security issues because Lindy is strong, conservative, and tough. And she backs it up. Lindy believes the election was stolen from Trump, Kay Ivey thinks Biden’s victory was legitimate.”

Show sources

Sources: Lynda Blanchard's campaign website, "Lindy on the Issues," accessed April 29, 2022; YouTube, "Lindy Blanchard - The Conservative Outsider," December 7, 2021; WVTM 13, "Commitment 2022: Lindy Blanchard running for governor of Alabama," April 26, 2022; YouTube, "Trump Trusted. Strong, Conservative & Tough. Lindy Blanchard for Governor," April 2, 2022; Alabama Political Reporter, "Former Ambassador Lynda Blanchard appears poised for Senate run," February 12, 2021; Lynda Blanchard's campaign website, "Meet Lindy," accessed April 29, 2022

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of Alabama in 2022.

Lew Burdette

Image of Lew Burdette

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  " From an early age, Lew Burdette began learning the ins and outs of business in his father’s family-owned grocery store. Later, this background would build a foundation for Lew to excel as a business leader. Opportunity grew into success during Lew’s 13-year career with Books-A-Million, holding several executive positions including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In 1998, Lew founded Kindred, a Christian retail superstore in Birmingham where he was President/Chief Executive Officer. Since October of 2002, it has been the thrill of Lew’s career to lead King’s Home, a large Birmingham, Christian non-profit, where he has served as President. Lew’s business experience has helped King’s Home grow exponentially by quadrupling the number served of abused youth, moms, and children fleeing domestic violence. Lew has been involved in the daily management of essential areas such as strategic planning, financial expertise, operations, and Human Resource management. Yet, Lew’s greatest joy for more than 18 years at King’s Home is seeing God restore, heal and transform the lives of King’s Home residents escaping abuse and domestic violence."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

Education is my top priority.

Better jobs follow better education.

Restore trust in government by ending corruption in Alabama.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of Alabama in 2022.

Tim James

Image of Tim James

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Biography:  James received a degree in finance from Auburn University. He was a businessman with experience in the construction, transportation, and finance industries. At the time of the election, he was the president of Tim James Inc., which used private investments to build bridges, roads, and other types of infrastructure.


Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.

James said he would work to reduce taxes, repeal Alabama’s 2019 gas tax, and eliminate sales taxes on essential groceries. He said, “The revenue collected in Alabama’s state coffers has outpaced the rate of inflation over the last decade, and at the same time, delivery of essential services has declined.”

James said he supported school choice and increasing teacher pay. He also said, “girls’ sports and bathrooms must be protected from boys claiming to be girls” and “we will spearhead legislation to permanently ban the teaching of critical race theory.”

James criticized Ivey for not issuing an executive order banning local school mask requirements. He said, “shutdowns and masking have caused untold damage to our children. [...] Masks are a parent’s choice, it’s your decision.”

Show sources

Sources: YouTube, "What Have We Done," February 9, 2022; News 19, "Gubernatorial candidates stopped by Athens to discuss their platforms," March 8, 2022; Tim James' campaign website, "Issues," accessed April 29, 2022; Tim James' campaign website, "About," accessed April 29, 2022

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of Alabama in 2022.

Dean Odle

Image of Dean Odle

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "Dean Odle is the founding pastor of Fire & Grace Church and Fire & Grace Ministry School in Opelika, Alabama. He has been a small business owner, a researcher, authored four books, and has been in the ministry for 35 years. After much prayer Mr. Odle announced his candidacy for governor in September of 2020 after the mishandling of the Coronavirus pandemic. The message and purpose of the Dean Odle for Governor campaign is KEEP ALABAMA FREE because there is an aggressive rise of government tyranny sweeping through our nation and state. Dean Odle ran in the Republican primary and is continuing his campaign as a write-in candidate after witnessing election integrity issues. Dean is the only true Republican still in the race for Governor of Alabama."

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

We must fight to maintain our God-given Constitutional freedoms. I will stand on the 10th Amendment and say no to an overreaching federal government.

Bigger government is not the answer, it is the problem. I will work to reduce the size of government and lower taxes by nullifying regulations that prevent drilling for Alabama's oil and natural gas. Alabama can be prosperous and never have to depend on the federal government for energy or hand outs.

Politicians have promised for years to fix Alabama education while doing nothing. I will implement a no-strings attached school voucher program that gets the government out of the school business. Government controlled schooling is a Marxist concept. Parents should determine how and where their children are educated.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of Alabama in 2022.

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/LewBurdette.jpg

Lew Burdette (R)

Education is my top priority.

Better jobs follow better education.

Restore trust in government by ending corruption in Alabama.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

We must fight to maintain our God-given Constitutional freedoms. I will stand on the 10th Amendment and say no to an overreaching federal government.

Bigger government is not the answer, it is the problem. I will work to reduce the size of government and lower taxes by nullifying regulations that prevent drilling for Alabama's oil and natural gas. Alabama can be prosperous and never have to depend on the federal government for energy or hand outs.

Politicians have promised for years to fix Alabama education while doing nothing. I will implement a no-strings attached school voucher program that gets the government out of the school business. Government controlled schooling is a Marxist concept. Parents should determine how and where their children are educated.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/LewBurdette.jpg

Lew Burdette (R)

Personally passionate about improving education, rural healthcare, prison reform, and bringing higher paying jobs to Alabama.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

I am passionate about protecting free speech and the right of the people to bear arms. I believe there should be no health mandates of any kind. I believe all lives from the womb to the elderly have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I am a strong advocate of states rights and our ability to say no to the federal government and its overreaching laws and regulations.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

No.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

The most important characteristic for an elected official is integrity.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

I have always been a strong leader. I am a man of integrity that will stand up for the truth and what is right.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

The core responsibility is to protect the people and their rights and freedom.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

I hope people say that I brought honor to God, loved my family, and did what was right for the people of Alabama.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

The first historical event I remember is Nixon resigning due to Watergate. I was six years old.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

My favorite book is the Bible.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

The purpose of government is to protect the rights and freedoms of the people by keeping the oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. A good Governor should secure law and order, pursue good policies that boost the economy, and prepare for emergencies and issues that may arise.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

Protecting the rights and freedoms of Alabamians.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

I believe the appropriate degree of involvement is exactly what the Alabama Constitution designates and no more. The Governor puts forth a budget for approval or disapproval by the legislature.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

Alabama does not have the line-item veto.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

Yes, I believe Alabama should have the line-item veto. We should not have to veto the whole bill that may contain good things just because there is a single issue.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

The ideal relationship would be that they worked together for the good of the people who elected them.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

Alabama is beautiful and filled with true, American patriots.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

I believe some of Alabama's greatest challenges will be maintaining our freedoms against the ever-increasing communist takeover of the United States federal government, fixing our K-12 education system, and becoming energy and food secure.
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Dean_Odle.jpg

Dean Odle (R)

A Governor should be able to use emergency powers during natural disasters, war or acts of terrorism (including intrusion of foreign or United Nations troops into our state) to stop any advancement of federal agents intending to violate Constitutional rights. This must be done in accordance with the legislature.


Campaign advertisements

This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.

Republican Party Kay Ivey

June 22, 2021
June 11, 2021
June 2, 2021

View more ads here:


Republican Party Lynda Blanchard

April 28, 2022
April 2, 2022
December 7, 2021

View more ads here:


Republican Party Lew Burdette

April 28, 2022
March 9, 2022
January 3, 2022

View more ads here:


Republican Party Stacy George

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for George while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.


Republican Party Tim James

April 11, 2022
March 1, 2022
January 14, 2022

View more ads here:


Republican Party Donald Jones

Have a link to Jones' campaign ads on YouTube? Email us.


Republican Party Dean Odle

May 19, 2021
December 1, 2021
May 11, 2021

View more ads here:


Republican Party Dave Thomas

Have a link to Thomas' campaign ads on YouTube? Email us.


Republican Party Dean Young

Have a link to Young's campaign ads on YouTube? Email us.


News and conflicts in this primary

This race was featured in The Heart of the Primaries, a newsletter capturing stories related to conflicts within each major party. Click here to read more about conflict in this and other 2022 Republican gubernatorial primaries. Click here to subscribe to the newsletter.

Noteworthy endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes a bulleted list of links to official lists of endorsements for any candidates who published that information on their campaign websites. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please click here.

Republican primary endorsements
Endorser Republican Party Kay Ivey Republican Party Lynda Blanchard Republican Party Tim James
Government officials
Alabama State Senator Tom Butler (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Senator Garlan Gudger (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Senator Andrew Jones (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Senator Steve Livingston (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Senator Jim McClendon (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Senator Tim Melson (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Senator Arthur Orr (R)  source ✔    
Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed  source ✔    
Alabama State Senator Clay Scofield (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Senator Larry Stutts (R)  source     ✔
Alabama State Senator J.T. Waggoner (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Russell Bedsole (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative K.L. Brown (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Terri Collins (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Danny Crawford (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Dickie Drake (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Corley Ellis (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Tracy Estes (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative David Faulkner (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Danny Garrett (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Lynn Greer (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative James Hanes, Jr. (R)  source     ✔
Alabama State Representative Jim Hill (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Mike Holmes (R)  source     ✔
Alabama State Representative Steve Hurst (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Wes Kitchens (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Nathaniel Ledbetter (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative B. Craig Lipscomb (R)  source ✔    
Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Mac McCutcheon (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Parker Moore (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Rex Reynolds (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Kerry Rich (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Ben Robbins (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Proncey Robertson (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Howard Sanderford (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Ginny Shaver (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Randall Shedd (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Kyle South (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Scott Stadthagen (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative David Standridge (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Rodney Sullivan (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Tim Wadsworth (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Andy Whitt (R)  source ✔    
Alabama State Representative Ritchie Whorton (R)  source     ✔
Alabama State Representative Rich Wingo (R)  source     ✔
Alabama State Representative Randy Wood (R)  source ✔    
Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth (R)  source ✔    
Organizations
Alabama Association of Realtors  source ✔    
Alabama Forestry Association  source ✔    
American Conservative Union  source   ✔  
American Family Association  source     ✔
Business Council of Alabama  source ✔    
League of Southeastern Credit Unions  source ✔    
Manufacture Alabama  source ✔    
National Rifle Association  source ✔    
National Right to Life Committee  source ✔    
Susan B. Anthony List  source ✔    

Election competitiveness

Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

Polls are conducted with a variety of methodologies and have margins of error or credibility intervals.[29] The Pew Research Center wrote, "A margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level means that if we fielded the same survey 100 times, we would expect the result to be within 3 percentage points of the true population value 95 of those times."[30] For tips on reading polls from FiveThirtyEight, click here. For tips from Pew, click here.

Below we provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics, when available. Click here to read about FiveThirtyEight's criteria for including polls in its aggregation. We only report polls for which we can find a margin of error or credibility interval.


Alabama gubernatorial election, 2022: Republican primary election polls
Poll Date Republican Party Ivey Republican Party Blanchard Republican Party Burdette Republican Party George Republican Party James Republican Party Jones Republican Party Odle Republican Party Thomas Republican Party Young Undecided/Other Margin of error Sample size[31] Sponsor[32]
Emerson College/The Hill May 15-16, 2022 46% 11% 7% >1% 17% >1% 3% >1% >1% 15%[33] ± 3.6 706 likely voters -
Cygnal/Alabama Daily News/Gray Television May 6-7, 2022 40% 15% 6% - 18% - 4% - 1% 18%[34] ± 4.0 600 likely voters -
Emerson College/The Hill March 25-27, 2022 48% 8% 4% 1% 11% 1% 1% 2% 2% 22%[35] ± 3.7 687 likely voters -


General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

  • Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
  • Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
  • Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[36]
  • Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[37][38][39]

Race ratings: Alabama gubernatorial election, 2022
Race trackerRace ratings
November 8, 2022November 1, 2022October 25, 2022October 18, 2022
The Cook Political Report with Amy WalterSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallSafe RepublicanSafe RepublicanSafe RepublicanSafe Republican
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Election spending

Campaign finance

This section contains campaign finance figures from candidates submitted to the Alabama Secretary of State in this election. It does not include information on spending by satellite groups. Click here to access the reports.

Election analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about demographics, past elections, and partisan control of the state.

  • Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the state.
  • Statewide elections - Information about recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections in the state.
  • State partisanship - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.
  • Demographics - Information about the state's demographics and how they compare to the country as a whole.

Presidential elections

See also: Presidential voting trends in Alabama and The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Cook PVI by congressional district

Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index for Alabama, 2022
District Incumbent Party PVI
AL-01 Jerry Carl Ends.png Republican R+16
AL-02 Barry Moore Ends.png Republican R+17
AL-03 Mike Rogers Ends.png Republican R+19
AL-04 Robert Aderholt Ends.png Republican R+33
AL-05 Open (Mo Brooks) Ends.png Republican R+17
AL-06 Gary Palmer Ends.png Republican R+18
AL-07 Terri Sewell Electiondot.png Democratic D+14

2020 presidential results by 2022 congressional district lines

2020 presidential results in congressional districts based on 2022 district lines, Alabama[40]
District Joe Biden Democratic Party Donald Trump Republican Party
Alabama's 1st 35.3% 63.6%
Alabama's 2nd 34.8% 64.2%
Alabama's 3rd 32.5% 66.6%
Alabama's 4th 18.6% 80.4%
Alabama's 5th 35.6% 62.7%
Alabama's 6th 34.4% 64.4%
Alabama's 7th 65.6% 33.6%

2012-2020

How a state's counties vote in a presidential election and the size of those counties can provide additional insights into election outcomes at other levels of government including statewide and congressional races. Below, four categories are used to describe each county's voting pattern over the 2012, 2016, and 2020 presidential elections: Solid, Trending, Battleground, and New. Click [show] on the table below for examples:


Following the 2020 presidential election, 77.1% of Alabamians lived in one of the state's 52 Solid Republican counties, which voted for the Republican presidential candidate in every election from 2012 to 2020, and 22.2% lived in one of 13 Solid Democratic counties. Overall, Alabama was Solid Republican, having voted for Mitt Romney (R) in 2012, Donald Trump (R) in 2016, and Donald Trump (R) in 2020. Use the table below to view the total number of each type of county in Alabama following the 2020 election as well as the overall percentage of the state population located in each county type.

Historical voting trends

Alabama presidential election results (1900-2020)

  • 16 Democratic wins
  • 13 Republican wins
  • 2 other wins
Year 1900 1904 1908 1912 1916 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960[41] 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020
Winning Party D D D D D D D D D D D D SR[42] D D D R AI[43] R D R R R R R R R R R R R


Statewide elections

This section details the results of the five most recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections held in the state.

U.S. Senate elections

See also: List of United States Senators from Alabama

The table below details the vote in the five most recent U.S. Senate races in Alabama.

U.S. Senate election results in Alabama
Race Winner Runner up
2020 60.1%Republican Party 39.7%Democratic Party
2017 50.0%Democratic Party 48.3%Republican Party
2016 64.0%Republican Party 35.8%Democratic Party
2014 97.3%Republican Party 2.8%Grey.png (write-in)
2010 65.3%Republican Party 34.7%Democratic Party
Average 67.3 32.3

Gubernatorial elections

See also: Governor of Alabama

The table below details the vote in the five most recent gubernatorial elections in Alabama.

Gubernatorial election results in Alabama
Race Winner Runner up
2018 59.5%Republican Party 40.4%Democratic Party
2014 63.6%Republican Party 36.2%Democratic Party
2010 57.9%Republican Party 42.1%Democratic Party
2006 57.5%Republican Party 41.6%Democratic Party
2002 49.2%Republican Party 49.0%Democratic Party
Average 57.5 41.9

State partisanship

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Alabama's congressional delegation as of November 2022.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Alabama, November 2022
Party U.S. Senate U.S. House Total
Democratic 0 1 1
Republican 2 6 8
Independent 0 0 0
Vacancies 0 0 0
Total 2 7 9


State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Alabama's top four state executive offices as of November 2022.

State executive officials in Alabama, November 2022
Office Officeholder
Governor Republican Party Kay Ivey
Lieutenant Governor Republican Party Will Ainsworth
Secretary of State Republican Party John Merrill
Attorney General Republican Party Steve Marshall

State legislature

The tables below highlight the partisan composition of the Alabama State Legislature as of November 2022.

Alabama State Senate

Party As of November 2022
     Democratic Party 8
     Republican Party 27
     Vacancies 0
Total 35

Alabama House of Representatives

Party As of November 2022
     Democratic Party 28
     Republican Party 73
     Vacancies 4
Total 105

Trifecta control

As of November 2022, Alabama was a Republican trifecta, with majorities in both chambers of the state legislature and control of the governorship. The table below displays the historical trifecta status of the state.

Alabama Party Control: 1992-2022
Six years of Democratic trifectas  •  Twelve years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Governor R D D R R R R D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
Senate D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R
House D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R


Demographics

The table below details demographic data in Alabama and compares it to the broader United States as of 2019.

Demographic Data for Alabama
Alabama United States
Population 5,024,279 331,449,281
Land area (sq mi) 50,646 3,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White 67.5% 70.4%
Black/African American 26.6% 12.6%
Asian 1.4% 5.6%
Native American 0.5% 0.8%
Pacific Islander 0% 0.2%
Other (single race) 1.5% 5.1%
Multiple 2.4% 5.2%
Hispanic/Latino 4.4% 18.2%
Education
High school graduation rate 86.9% 88.5%
College graduation rate 26.2% 32.9%
Income
Median household income $52,035 $64,994
Persons below poverty level 16% 12.8%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2015-2020).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.


Ballot access requirements

The table below details filing requirements for gubernatorial candidates in Alabama in the 2022 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Alabama, click here.

Filing requirements for gubernatorial candidates, 2022
State Office Party Signatures required Filing fee Filing deadline Source
Alabama Governor Ballot-qualified party N/A Fixed by party 1/28/2022 Source
Alabama Governor Unaffiliated 51,588 N/A 5/24/2022 Source

Election history

2018

See also: Alabama gubernatorial election, 2018

General election

General election for Governor of Alabama

Incumbent Kay Ivey defeated Walt Maddox in the general election for Governor of Alabama on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Kay Ivey
Kay Ivey (R)
 
59.5
 
1,022,457
Image of Walt Maddox
Walt Maddox (D)
 
40.4
 
694,495
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.2
 
2,637

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 1,719,589
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Alabama

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Governor of Alabama on June 5, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Walt Maddox
Walt Maddox
 
54.6
 
154,850
Image of Sue Bell Cobb
Sue Bell Cobb
 
29.0
 
82,236
Image of James C. Fields
James C. Fields
 
8.0
 
22,683
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Anthony White
 
3.4
 
9,719
Image of Doug Smith
Doug Smith
 
3.3
 
9,274
Image of Christopher Countryman
Christopher Countryman
 
1.7
 
4,943

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

Total votes: 283,705
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Alabama

Incumbent Kay Ivey defeated Tommy Battle, Scott Dawson, Bill Hightower, and Michael McAllister in the Republican primary for Governor of Alabama on June 5, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Kay Ivey
Kay Ivey
 
56.1
 
331,739
Image of Tommy Battle
Tommy Battle
 
24.9
 
147,207
Image of Scott Dawson
Scott Dawson
 
13.5
 
79,546
Image of Bill Hightower
Bill Hightower
 
5.0
 
29,367
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Michael McAllister
 
0.6
 
3,340

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.

Total votes: 591,199
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2014

See also: Alabama Gubernatorial election, 2014

Republican incumbent Robert Bentley won re-election on November 4, 2014.

Governor of Alabama, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngRobert Bentley Incumbent 63.6% 750,231
     Democrat Parker Griffith 36.2% 427,787
     Nonpartisan Write-in votes 0.2% 2,395
Total Votes 1,180,413
Election results via Alabama Secretary of State

2010

On November 2, 2010, Robert J. Bentley won election to the office of Governor of Alabama. He defeated Ron Sparks (D) in the general election.

Governor of Alabama, 2010
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngRobert J. Bentley 57.6% 860,472
     Democratic Ron Sparks 41.9% 625,710
     Write-in Write-in 0.5% 8,091
Total Votes 1,494,273
Election results via Alabama Secretary of State.



2022 battleground elections

See also: Battlegrounds

This election was a battleground race. Other 2022 battleground elections included:

See also

Alabama State Executive Elections News and Analysis
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External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Alabama Political Reporter, "Gov. Kay Ivey leads opponents in fundraising in gubernatorial race," April 18, 2022
  2. ↑ AL.com, "Lindy Blanchard touts financial independence as ‘advantage’ in governor’s race," April 21, 2022
  3. ↑ Twitter, "Kay Ivey on December 3, 2021," accessed April 29, 2022
  4. ↑ Linda Blanchard's campaign website, "Meet Lindy," accessed April 29, 2022
  5. ↑ YouTube, "Lindy Blanchard - "Driven by Faith. Trusted by President Trump."," January 3, 2022
  6. ↑ Tim James' campaign website, "About," accessed April 29, 2022
  7. ↑ YouTube, "FIGHT BACK," January 14, 2022
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 AL.com, "Gas tax emerges as issue in Alabama governor’s race," April 16, 2022
  9. ↑ Montgomery Advertiser, "Alabama governor candidate Tim James calls for repeal of gas tax increase, state grocery sales tax," March 16, 2022
  10. ↑ Emerson College, "Alabama 2022: Britt Leads U.S. Senate GOP Primary But Likely Faces Run-off; Durant Tries to Hold Off Brooks for Second Place Spot," accessed May 19, 2022
  11. ↑ Yellowhammer News, "Gov. Kay Ivey lands additional legislative endorsements, touts fight against ‘Biden’s left-wing agenda’," May 13, 2022
  12. ↑ Alabama Daily News, "Poll shows Ivey with high approval, but not avoiding runoff," May 11, 2022
  13. ↑ Alabama Today, "Kay Ivey receives National Right to Life endorsement," May 5, 2022
  14. ↑ Yellowhammer News, "Legislative GOP leaders Scofield, Ledbetter endorse Gov. Kay Ivey for reelection," May 5, 2022
  15. ↑ Twitter, "Tim James on May 5, 2022," accessed May 19, 2022
  16. ↑ Yellowhammer News, "Alabama Association of Realtors announces primary election endorsements," May 11, 2022
  17. ↑ Alabama Political Reporter, "Alabama House speaker endorses Gov. Kay Ivey in re-election bid," April 29, 2022
  18. ↑ Yellowhammer News, "State Rep. Tommy Hanes endorses ‘God-fearing, conservative’ Tim James for governor," April 27, 2022
  19. ↑ Yellowhammer News, "North Alabama GOP lawmakers endorse Gov. Kay Ivey’s reelection bid," April 25, 2022
  20. ↑ Twitter, "Kay Ivey on April 20, 2022," accessed May 19, 2022
  21. ↑ Twitter, "Tim James on April 19, 2022," accessed May 19, 2022
  22. ↑ Yellowhammer News, "Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed endorses Gov. Kay Ivey for reelection," April 18, 2022
  23. ↑ Twitter, "Tim James on April 18, 2022," accessed May 19, 2022
  24. ↑ Montgomery Advisor, "Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey picks up NRA endorsement, expresses regret gambling didn't pass," April 11, 2022
  25. ↑ Yellowhammer News, "North Alabama GOP legislators make endorsements in gubernatorial race," April 8, 2022
  26. ↑ Alabama Political Reporter, "Lindy Blanchard receives American Conservative Union endorsement," April 7, 2022
  27. ↑ Twitter, "Tim James on April 6, 2022," accessed May 19, 2022
  28. ↑ Emerson College Polling, "Alabama 2022 Poll: Mike Durant Ahead of Katie Britt for GOP nomination, Mo Brooks Falls in Race to Replace Shelby," accessed May 17, 2022
  29. ↑ For more information on the difference between margins of error and credibility intervals, see explanations from the American Association for Public Opinion Research and Ipsos.
  30. ↑ Pew Research Center, "5 key things to know about the margin of error in election polls," September 8, 2016
  31. ↑ RV=Registered Voters
    LV=Likely Voters
  32. ↑ The sponsor is the person or group that funded all or part of the poll.
  33. ↑ Undecided: 15%
  34. ↑ Undecided: 14%
    Someone else: 4%
  35. ↑ Undecided: 22%
  36. ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  37. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  38. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  39. ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
  40. ↑ Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' presidential results by congressional district for 2020, 2016, and 2012," accessed September 9, 2022
  41. ↑ Although he was not on the ballot, Harry F. Byrd (D) won six unpledged electoral votes in Alabama's 1960 election against Richard Nixon (R) and Democratic Party nominee John F. Kennedy. Kennedy won Alabama's popular vote and received five electoral votes.
  42. ↑ States' Rights Democratic Party
  43. ↑ American Independent Party
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