The Young Republican Federation of Alabama (YRFA) during its winter gala on Saturday conducted a straw poll of contested statewide races for the 2022 GOP primary election cycle.
U.S. Senate
In Alabama’s race for the U.S. Senate, former Business Council of Alabama (BCA) president and CEO Katie Britt emerged as the straw poll’s top vote-getter.
- Katie Britt 44%
- Mo Brooks 28%
- Mike Durant 13%
- Jessica Taylor 7%
Britt campaign spokesman Sean Ross suggested that the straw poll’s results prove that the Republican electorate desired “fresh blood” in the Senate.
“Katie is running an energetic conservative grassroots campaign. Meanwhile, her opponent is the Joe Biden of Alabama: 40 years running for office, six terms in Congress, and nothing to show for it but empty words and more money in his pocket,” said Ross. “It is clear that Alabamians are ready for fresh blood to shake things up, and it’s no surprise that this straw poll reflects the strong momentum building behind Katie’s campaign.”
He added, “While Katie has a record of successfully fighting for the people of Alabama, her opponent only has a record of serving himself. That’s why hardworking Alabama farmers, manufacturers, small business owners, families and patriots are standing with Katie. She is going to win in 2022, because Alabamians know that Katie will fight tirelessly every day to protect our Christian conservative values, ensure Alabama has the best possible seat at the table, and preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children.”
Governor
In the gubernatorial race, Gov. Kay Ivey was the overwhelming favorite among the straw poll’s respondents. The governor topped Tim James, who will formally enter the race next month, by 37%.
- Kay Ivey 54%
- Tim James 17%
- Lindy Blanchard 13%
- Dean Odle 12%
- Jim Zeigler 4%
In a statement provided to Yellowhammer News, Ivey heaped praise upon YRFA for the group’s record of conservative activism and expressed gratitude for the support her campaign received.
“The Young Republican Federation of Alabama has always been an impressive group of young Republican leaders with the important mission of advocating for a conservative approach towards government,” declared Ivey. “I appreciate the overwhelming support from the members of the YRFA and I look forward to continuing the work we’re doing on behalf of the people of Alabama.”
Supreme Court
Birmingham attorney Greg Cook edged out Calhoun County Circuit Judge Debra Jones in the race for Alabama Supreme Court associate justice by a 51-49% margin.
Cook indicated that the support his campaign had received stemmed from his views concerning the role of the judiciary.
“As a judge, my job will be like an umpire, to simply call the balls and strikes,” Cook told Yellowhammer News. “I believe that my conservative judicial philosophy is a big reason why our campaign has received so much support across the state. I’m going to continue working hard and trying to earn every single vote.”
Secretary of State
State Rep. Wes Allen (R-Troy), in his bid for Alabama Secretary of State, earned the highest percentage of support among all statewide candidates. He topped conservative activist Chris Horn in the straw poll by a margin of 72-28%.
“I am grateful for the support in straw poll. I am working hard to visit every county in the state to speak them about my campaign to become Alabama’s next Republican Secretary of State,” advised Allen. “I believe that is poll shows that our message is getting through and it is resonating with voters who want a solid Republican with elections administration experience to serve as Secretary of State.”
Public Service Commission
Tallassee Mayor John Hammock received 56% of support among the straw poll’s respondents compared to current officeholder Jeremy Oden’s 44% in the race for Alabama Public Service Commission.
Hammock asserted that as public service commissioner, he would push back against the Biden administration’s progressive energy policies.
“It is a honor to have won the Young Republicans Federation straw poll for Public Service Commission,” stated Hammock.” I want all Republicans young and old to know that I will always fight the radical left’s failed energy policies coming out of Washington D.C. and look forward to continue meeting fellow republicans across our great state.”
State Auditor
Jefferson County pastor and conservative activist Stan Cooke was the favorite in the state auditor’s race, beating the straw poll’s second-place finisher former State Sen. Rusty Glover (R-Semmes) by 30%.
- Stan Cooke 57%
- Rusty Glover 27%
- Andrew Sorrell 12%
- Bren Woodall 4%
Cooke told Yellowhammer News that the results reflected his campaign’s grassroots efforts.
“I am grateful for the vote of confidence from all those who participated in the Young Republican poll. I understand that I received 57% of the vote or more — and that is a testament to our hard work and campaign efforts all across the state of Alabama,” proclaimed Cooke. “I will continue to build upon that momentum going into the Republican primary of May 2022 with the positive message of productive positive solutions for the state of Alabama.”
He concluded, “Integrity, honesty, accountability and transparency are the hallmarks of our campaign. I believe that everything that is right with the Republican Party can solve everything that is wrong in the state of Alabama.”
The primary election will take place on May 24, 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
