The Alabama Democratic Conference officially threw their support behind Walt Maddox, which signals that Maddox is quickly becoming the favored candidate in the Democratic race for governor.
Maddox announced the endorsement on Saturday through a tweet and declared that the move is adding to his momentum in the gubernatorial race.
Through a statement after the tweet, Maddox said the endorsement was “vital” to candidates looking to win the Democratic nomination.
“Just to illustrate the power of the ADC endorsement, since 1960, no candidate has ever won the democratic primary without the endorsement of ADC and New South,” Maddox said. “I have been honored to receive the endorsement of many distinguished Alabamians, elected officials, community leaders, unions and political organizations.”
Maddox has racked up a number of endorsements in the race for governor with the latest being one from Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin on Thursday.
Similarly, Maddox received the backing of the New South Coalition and many endorsements from key Democratic lawmakers in the state.
While the endorsements do not guarantee Maddox a win in June, they are quickly becoming a signal that Maddox has the support of both the established Democrats in power and the grassroots movement of progressives in the state.
ADC’s endorsement also excludes his opponents from receiving the backing of the organization. Maddox’s opponents include former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb and former state Rep. James Fields.
Traditionally, Democrats have had a hard time getting elected into statewide positions since 2010. Democrats across the country are hoping for blue wave this election season spurred on by President Donald Trump’s unpopularity.
In Alabama, many Democrats look to Doug Jones’ victory in December for inspiration for their campaigns. Maddox was no different when asked about the possibility of victory during a televised debate in April.
“I believe Alabama is ready to elect a Democrat as governor,” Maddox said in April.
Maddox and others face off in less than a month in the party primaries. The winner will go to face the Republican candidate in November.
