Governor Kay Ivey, Katie Britt and Wes Allen are the big winners of an early straw poll at the Young Republican Federation of Alabama’s Winter Gala on Saturday.
The poll asked respondents to choose between announced candidates in every statewide race that will appear on the May 24, 2022, Republican Primary ballot in Alabama.
In the governor’s race, Ivey polled well ahead of all other candidates with 54 percent of the vote. The next highest was Tim James at 17 percent, followed by Lindy Blanchard at 13 percent. Dean Odle received 12 percent of the vote and Jim Zeigler rounded out the poll with 4 percent of votes.
“The Young Republican Federation of Alabama has always been an impressive group of young Republican leaders with the important mission of advocating for a conservative approach towards government,” Ivey said in a statement. “I appreciate the overwhelming support from the members of the YRFA and I look forward to continuing the work we’re doing on behalf of the people of Alabama.”
Several other recent polls have shown Britt and Mo Brooks in a tight race for US Senate, but the YRFA straw poll has Britt with a significant lead at 44 percent to Brooks’ 28 percent. Mike Durant received 13 percent, Jessica Taylor received 7 percent, Mike Dunn received 6 percent and Jake Schafer received 1 percent.
“Katie is running an energetic conservative grassroots campaign. Meanwhile, her opponent is the Joe Biden of Alabama: 40 years running for office, six terms in Congress, and nothing to show for it but empty words and more money in his pocket. It is clear that Alabamians are ready for fresh blood to shake things up, and it’s no surprise that this straw poll reflects the strong momentum building behind Katie’s campaign,” said Sean Ross with the Katie Britt campaign. “While Katie has a record of successfully fighting for the people of Alabama, her opponent only has a record of serving himself. That’s why hardworking Alabama farmers, manufacturers, small business owners, families and patriots are standing with Katie. She is going to win in 2022, because Alabamians know that Katie will fight tirelessly every day to protect our Christian conservative values, ensure Alabama has the best possible seat at the table, and preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children.”
The gap between Allen and Chris Horn for the Secretary of State race is even wider with Allen taking 72 percent of the vote.
“I am grateful for the support in the straw poll,” Allen said. “I am working hard to visit every county in the state to speak to them about my campaign to become Alabama’s next Republican Secretary of State. I believe that this poll shows that our message is getting through and it is resonating with voters who want a solid Republican with elections administration experience to serve as Secretary of State.”
In the Public Service Commission race, John Hammock has a slight lead over opponent Jeremy Oden 56 percent to 44 percent.
The Supreme Court race was the tightest of all races polled, with Greg Cook leading Debra Jones 51 percent to 49 percent.
Finally, Stan Cook was far and away the most voted candidate for state auditor with 57 percent of the votes. Rusty Glover received 27 percent, Andrew Sorrell received 12 percent and Brent Woodal received 4 percent.
