Welcome everyone, I’m Greg Screws, and I’m Lauren Layton. We are one year away from the 2024 Presidential Election and Alabama’s Primary is just around the corner.
As the race heats up, we have State Capitol Reporter Maggie Baird here to take a closer look at Alabama’s role in picking the next President. The first step will take place on March 5th, when Alabama voters will head to the polls for the primary. Alabama is one of 14 states participating in Super Tuesday, where the number of delegates at stake can make a big difference for candidates. Polls are showing former President Donald Trump leading the Republican field. Trump delegate Greg Fannon says the America First message resonates with Alabama Republicans. Fannon isn’t alone in his support.
In 2016 and 2020, Trump won this state by more than 62%. His visit to the AL GOP Summer Dinner last August broke fundraising records. However, Trump’s legal challenges have given some Republicans pause, like Terry Leith. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is campaigning in Alabama.
Before she was the longest-serving chair of the Alabama Republican Party, Leith says DeSantis’ focus now is on the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, but after that, the campaign plans to come to Alabama. They understand the importance of our red state. Steve Forbes, who ran in the Republican primaries for President in 1996 and 2000, knows firsthand that campaigning in the South is crucial for GOP candidates. Alabama and the neighboring states are absolutely critical as the South is a part of the GOP base. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is running for a second term.
Alabama last elected a Democrat for President in 1976 with Jimmy Carter. State Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelly says he’s working to re-energize the party county by county. Alright, and getting them in motion to implement programs that align with the interests of the people..
