By Chris Peeks November 17, 2023
Providing Governor Ivey's health holds up, and by God's grace, it does the most hotly contested race in 2026 will undoubtedly be to see who succeeds her. That will create a dominoe effect for the states other constitutional offices and the big one being overlooked is who will be the next Lt.Governor .
The Lt. Governor's office is Steve Marshall's for the taking if he chooses that route. However, i just can't see him passing up the governor's race. Ainsworth is far from unbeatable. So, who does that leave?
John Merrill would easily win, but I think he has sights on a bigger prize. So does Twinkle Cavanaugh. Young Boozer is perfectly content in his position, and he is In 70's so that office would be of no interest to him. Rule out Rick Pate as well.
That leaves us with two lesser known people with a thirst for higher office. Wes Allen and Andrew Sorrell. Barring some legislator coming out of left field, the race will come down to these two men
Who will win? That's a tough call. I don't know if Sorrells pockets are deep enough to buy the Lt. Governor's office the way he did the State Auditor's because that's the only way he can fund his campaign. From what I hear the establishment is not behind him, so Allen will get their financial backing.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Sorrell and found him very likeable with interesting outside the box ideas. I have never talked to Allen. This should be a fun race to watch. So expect it to get dirty. Expect it to go down to the wire, and as always whoever the voters dislike the least will be the winner.
Chris Peeks
Reporter and Columnist
Alabama Political Contributor