Republican primary voters have voted to nominate State Auditor Jim Zeigler for a second term.
“I am thankful to be nominated to run for a second term as State Auditor,” Zeigler said. “I thank the voters; my wife Jackie Zeigler and our children Win and Maggie Zeigler; my assistant Hope Scarborough; our hard-working supporters; and our campaign donors.”
“I look forward to the November general election campaign against a serious Democratic nominee with a strong resume,” Zeigler added. “My honorable opponents, Stan Cooke and Elliott Lipinsky, worked hard. They made excellent speeches. They were good guests on talk shows. They made insightful points, and I was listening.”
“In the general election campaign and the second Zeigler administration, I intend to take a new approach toward my political opponents and those who disagree with my actions,” Zeigler continued. “I have figured out that my critics are well meaning. They are watching. I will now view my critics as consultants to create a better State Auditor’s office. I will listen to their points – and learn. And these consultants are free. They do not have to be paid by me or by the taxpayers. This new viewpoint can lead to a much-needed paradigm shift in American politics. I will continue to be the State Auditor for all the citizens, not just those who voted for me.”
With 99 percent of the boxes reporting in, Auditor Jim Zeigler had 257,532 votes or 55.6 percent of the votes counted. Stan Cooke had 150,742 votes, 32.6 percent, and Elliott Lipinsky received 54,771, 11.8 percent.
In his first term as Auditor, Zeigler worked hard to expose what he believed were illegal and unethical actions taken by then Gov. Robert Bentley. Zeigler’s efforts to conduct an Auditor’s investigation into Bentley’s use of state resources were thwarted by interference from then Attorney General Luther Strange. Eventually Zeigler’s efforts resulted in an Ethics Commission investigation that found that the Governor had likely broken state ethics and campaign finance laws. Bentley resigned five days later when the House Judiciary Committee began impeachment hearings. Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey was then elevated to governor. Zeigler had explored running for governor himself; but ultimately decided to seek his second term as auditor.
Zeigler is married to state school board member Jackie Zeigler.
In the general election on November 6 Zeigler will face Miranda Karrine Joseph in the November 6 general election.
