July 2017 Group Watch: News & Views from the State House
The governor’s race is heating up along with the temps. Here’s the latest buzz on on that as well as some other political news.
- Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox announces plans to explore run for governor: Maddox recently announced plans to explore running for Alabama governor in 2018. Maddox is using the slogan “Make Alabama proud again.” He says the most difficult decision of running for governor lies ahead, and he will continue to focus on his responsibilities as a husband, father and mayor. Maddox says that many have urged him to switch parties for convenience, but he says he has no plans to abandon the Democratic Party. He declared that the days of party rule should end, and that candidates should run for the people of Alabama. Maddox has been mayor since 2005 and won a fourth term earlier this year in a landslide. He has been praised for his economic development work and handling of the aftermath of the deadly 2011 tornadoes that hit the city.
- State Senator Bill Hightower jumps into the race: Hightower, R-Mobile, is expected to formally announce plans to run for governor. Hightower has filed paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office to form a campaign committee for a gubernatorial campaign. He is the first legislator to enter the race. Hightower was interviewed by former Governor Robert Bentley earlier this year for appointment to the U.S. Senate to replace Jeff Sessions. He first won the Senate seat in a 2013 special election and was re-elected in 2014. He also owns an international corporate strategic consulting company.
