By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Sunday, January 7, Democrat Jason Childs, citing a lack of funds, announced that he was withdrawing from the Democratic gubernatorial race.
“Unfortunately we have failed to meet our fundraising goals,” Childs said. “This marks the end of our campaign. I want to thank all of you for your support. I am especially grateful for our friend, and Campaign Manager Virginia Lucci.”
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of my policy advisors,” Childs stated. “The friendships that have been made during this effort will last long after this election cycle is over. Without a doubt the one thing I have learned going through this process, my wife Michelle is a gift from God. We have enjoyed meeting so many fine people from around this great state. Seeing so many progressive minded folks engaged in the political process has been encouraging. I am more optimistic now than ever before. Alabamians are smart, and they know that they deserve a state government that works for them. I am looking forward to working as hard as I can to see to it that the Democratic Primary winner becomes the next Governor of Alabama.”
Jason Childs is the founder of a progressive think tank and had been campaigning for the legalization of marijuana. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has recently proposed ending Obama Administration rules that allowed the states to set their own policies regarding marijuana legalization. Marijuana remains a controlled substance under federal law.
Alabama Democrats are optimistic going into the 2018 election cycle after Democrat Doug Jones defeated Republican Roy Moore in the Dec. 12 Special Election for U.S. Senate. Jones’ defeat of Moore was the first victory by any Democratic candidate in a statewide Alabama election since 2008. Democrats are hopeful that 2018 is a wave election opposing Republicans and Donald Trump.
Democratic candidates for Alabama Governor include: Judge Sue Bell Cobb, Mayor Walter “Walt” Maddox, state Rep. James Fields and Chris Countryman.
The major party primaries are on June 5, 2018.
