Gov. Kay Ivey Thursday confirmed she will seek a full term next year. Ending months of speculation about her future plans, Ivey released the following statement:
"Four months ago, I was sworn in as the 54th Governor of the State of Alabama. There hasn’t been a more humbling moment in my life. That so many of you have supported and prayed for me and my team means the world—and it’s our highest honor to serve you.
"I took over at one of that darkest times in our state’s memory. I’m proud to say we’ve steadied the ship. Now it’s time to steer it to continued conservative progress and prosperity."
Ivey assumed the office in April, following the resignation of disgraced former Gov. Robert Bentley. She faces a crowded Republican field, including Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington, evangelist Scott Dawson, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, and state Sen. Bill Hightower.