By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Friday, April 27, 2017 Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle announced that he is running for the Republican nomination to be the next Governor of Alabama.
WAFF reported that Mayor Battle told them, “We’ve told everybody that we’re gonna look end of April, first of May during that timeframe, making and announcement because this is something you need to take very seriously. It’s a very serious move. For me, moving from Huntsville is a very serious move. We had some great successes here, and we look to continue to have those successes.”
Huntsville has seen extensive growth largely due to the aerospace and defense industries.
Mayor Battle said in a statement, “For too long, the people of Alabama have seen our values come under attack. Alabama has endured corruption instead of opportunity. Scandal instead of education. Embarrassment instead of pride.”
Battle added, “We’re not just in a battle for Alabama’s values, we’re in a battle for Alabama’s future. I’m running for governor because I’m ready to lead that fight.”
Battle grew up in Birmingham where he attended Berry High School and worked in his father’s restaurant,. a Britling’s Cafeteria.
Battle called his father, “My hero. He’s somebody who taught you if you talk the talk, you walk the walk.”
Battle has been the Mayor of Huntsville for eight years. Under his leadership, more than 17,000 new jobs have been created for the area, including the addition of Remington Arms Company and Polaris.
The 2018 gubernatorial race could be very crowded. Public Service Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh (R) has already announced that she is running for the office. Former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy George (R) has announced that he is seeking the office. George challenged incumbent Gov. Robert Bentley (R) in 2014. State Auditor Jim Zeigler (R) is exploring running for the office. Tuscaloosa Mayor Maddox has said that he is thinking of running as a Democrat for the position. Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan (R) is said to be interested in possible running as well. State Representative Craig Ford (D from Gadsden) and former Congressman Parker Griffith (D) are also possible candidates. Governor Kay Ivey has not formally ruled out running for the office that she rose to when Gov. Robert Bentley (R) resigned in disgrace
Battle said, “Our state’s challenges are real and they can’t wait. Politicians talk; leaders get things done. It’s time we had a state government that talks less, listens to our people, and gets things done for them. As a mayor, you simply don’t have the option of leaving a mess for someone else to clean up. We make decisions. Sometimes tough decisions that will impact the lives of our cities and residents. That’s what we’re trusted to do.”
Battle is 61, has been married to his wife Eula for 28 years. They have one son and a grandson. They attend Trinity United Methodist Church in Huntsville.
Battle said, “When we work together, we can do great things for our entire state. It’s time we make Alabama stronger for all of us.”
