By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
The 2018 elections are approaching and more Alabama elected officials are becoming members of the Republican Party.
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan made a statement welcoming the new ALGOP elected officials:
“Today, because of our strong county Republican parties, the ALGOP is thriving,” Lathan Said. “Now, 60 percent of all partisan elected officials in Alabama are Republican. With our steadfast conservative supporters, we can truly say we have a successful and well-equipped team. Our roots are deep and our message is clear as we prepare for the 2018 Alabama Primary Elections. Adding these valuable new members only helps to strengthen and grow our party.”
The Walker County Republican Party welcomed former Democrat Board of Walker County Education member Bill Ed Gilbert as a member of the Republican Party.
Walker County Republican Party Chairman Linda Ensor said, “On behalf of the Walker County Republican Executive Committee and the Walker County Republican Party, I am pleased to welcome Bill Ed Gilbert, District 3 Board of Education Member, to the Republican Party. We look forward to working with Mr. Gilbert as we continue to grow the Republican Party in our county. Walker County is now at a historic level of GOP elected officials.”
The Lawrence County Republican Party recently welcomed former Democrat School Board Member Gary Bradford as a member of the Republican Party.
Lawrence County Republican Party Chairman Proncey Robertson said, “The Lawrence County Republican Party is delighted to welcome Lawrence County School Board Member Gary Bradford to the Republican Party. We look forward to working with Mr. Bradford as we continue to pursue the advancement of conservative policies and principles.”
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey recently appointed William Smith to the Colbert County Commission.
Colbert County Republican Party Chairman Fred Joly said, “The Colbert County Republican Party is thrilled with Governor Ivey’s historic appointment of William Smith to the Colbert County Commission. The first Republican African American to serve and be appointed to this position in Colbert County, Commissioner Smith is a superior asset to our team. The Colbert County Republican Party is excited to join Commissioner Smith in supporting conservative ideals in Alabama.”
Ivey also appointed Republican Michael Anderton as the new Jefferson County District Attorney.
“I am proud to appoint Mike Anderton as Jefferson County District Attorney,” Ivey said. “Out of all the applicants, Mike had the most experience, and I know he will work effectively, and with integrity, for the people of Birmingham and all of Jefferson County.”
Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Sallie Bryant said, “We are pleased that Governor Ivey has selected such a highly qualified individual to serve the people of Jefferson County as our District Attorney.” “It is clear that Mr. Anderton possesses all the attributes needed to successfully lead the District Attorney’s Office as it moves forward.”
For over 100 years, the Alabama Democratic Party dominated politics in the state. Republicans began making deep inroads in the state in 1964; but it was not until 1980 that the Alabama GOP won a statewide race when Admiral Jeremiah Denton was elected U.S. Senator. In 1986, Cullman County Probate Judge Guy Hunt was elected the first Republican Governor since the 1870s. The Democrats would win only one Governor’s race since. In 2010, under the leadership of Chairman Mike Hubbard, Republicans took control of both Houses of the Alabama Legislature and every statewide elected office. Under the leadership of Chairman Bill Armistead, the Alabama began focusing on turning the court houses of the state, which had long been Democratic Party dominated. Lathan has continued and built on those efforts.
