Alabama

Opinion | Kay Ivey set a governing standard Alabama now measures against

Published

3 weeks ago

February 9, 2026

Opinion | Kay Ivey set a governing standard Alabama now measures against

History has rarely been kind to Alabama’s governors. Few are remembered for long, and fewer still for having led the state well. Governor Kay Ivey is likely to be judged differently—not because she reshaped Alabama politics, but because she set a governing standard that has too often been absent.

Measured against her peers—in this state and across the region—Ivey has led Alabama better than most. Not louder. Not flashier. Better.

In an era of noisy, self-indulgent governance, she has been better than her peers simply because she treated the job as work, not performance.

She inherited a state that has often confused ideological signaling with leadership and volume with results. What she offered instead was competence, continuity and a seriousness about governing that has grown increasingly rare. Ivey did not promise transformation. She delivered stability. She did not seek national attention. She focused on Alabama. And while her approach rarely produced dramatic moments, it produced something far more valuable: a state that was consistently managed, economically competitive and largely spared the self-inflicted chaos that has plagued executive offices elsewhere.

For most Alabamians, that did not feel dramatic. It felt like schools opening on time, paychecks arriving as expected, roads getting paved and crises handled without panic. Good governance rarely announces itself—it simply spares people from unnecessary disruption.

She will not be remembered for fiery speeches or grand crusades. She will not be remembered for cable-news dominance or viral moments. She will be remembered for keeping Alabama on steady footing at a time when steadiness itself became a scarce commodity.

That steadiness was not accidental. It reflected judgment, discipline and an understanding that governing is not about theatrics, but about responsibility.

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Fault can be found with any leader. Kay Ivey is no exception. There were moments of caution, moments when political realities shaped policy choices, and moments when the gravitational pull of her party’s most aggressive elements was difficult to escape. But what distinguishes her tenure—and what sets it apart from many of her contemporaries—is that she consistently chose outcomes over outrage, policy over performance, and long-term stability over short-term applause.

She governed with policy, not performance.

For decades, Alabama—like much of the South—has talked about the idea of a “New South” governor. At its core, that idea has always meant the same thing: a leader focused on economic growth over grievance, management over messaging, and results over rhetoric. Other Southern states have elected versions of that leader. Alabama, notably, has not.

Instead, the state has often oscillated—sometimes choosing cultural familiarity over competence, sometimes rewarding ideological signaling over executive ability and sometimes settling for leaders who spoke loudly but governed thinly. That pattern did not belong exclusively to one party or one era. It has been a feature of Alabama politics for generations.

Ivey did not become Alabama’s first New South governor. But she governed closer to that standard than most of her predecessors. She practiced conservatism not as spectacle, but as stewardship—a quieter, more functional form that treated governing as an executive responsibility rather than a cultural performance.

As she enters her final year in office, Alabama stands at an inflection point. We know what Alabamians want because they have told us—clearly, repeatedly and across survey after survey that cuts through party labels and campaign rhetoric.

They want a governor focused on affordability and economic stability. They want attention paid to the cost of living, to whether wages keep pace with prices, to whether growth reaches working families instead of stopping at press releases and ribbon cuttings. They want competence in managing the basics—infrastructure, education, health care access, workforce development—and seriousness about the long-term health of the state.

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They are not asking for ideological theatrics. They are not asking for endless conflict. And they are not asking for leadership consumed by national attention rather than Alabama outcomes.

In poll after poll, voters prioritize practical concerns over performative ones. They value results over rhetoric, steadiness over spectacle, and leadership that improves daily life rather than dominating the news cycle.

That is not nostalgia. That is data.

The appeal of competence is not ideological. It is rooted in lived experience, especially among people who cannot afford the consequences of instability, mismanagement or performative leadership.

Alabama remains a conservative state. It always has been. For much of its history, it elected conservatives whether they ran as Democrats or Republicans. What changed was not ideology, but sorting. Beginning with Richard Nixon’s Southern Strategy and reinforced through later realignments, including Ronald Reagan’s accommodation with the Christian right, party identity gradually replaced judgment. Over time, the letter beside a candidate’s name came to carry more weight than preparation, temperament or capacity to govern.

That is not wisdom. It is habit.

And habits, left unchecked, can quietly erode the standards voters believe they are defending.

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Kay Ivey’s tenure stands as a reminder of what happens when judgment still matters. She did not govern as a brand or an avatar. She governed as an executive. Her appeal was not novelty or outrage, but familiarity, restraint and a willingness to do the work without demanding constant validation.

When identity replaces judgment, the risk is not that voters choose the wrong ideology. The risk is that they stop asking whether a candidate is prepared to govern at all. And when that question goes unasked, the cost is never abstract—it is paid quietly, over time, by families who do not have the luxury of treating politics as entertainment.

Kay Ivey will not be remembered as the loudest governor Alabama has had. She will be remembered as one who led the state well—and who showed, almost inadvertently, how rare that has become.

Standards, once lowered, are difficult to restore. And when they slip quietly, they rarely announce themselves until the consequences are already felt.

Alabama now faces a choice that will not be resolved by slogans or party labels. It will be resolved by whether voters continue to ask the most basic question of anyone seeking executive power: are you prepared to govern—or only to perform?

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Alabama

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

Published

7 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than a decade serving Alabama’s fourth judicial circuit, Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. is stepping away from full-time service, closing a chapter that spans nearly four decades in the legal profession.

Pettaway was elected to the bench in 2012 and served in several counties including Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale and Bibb counties, the largest geographical circuit in the state.

Now, he says, it was simply time.

“I never wanted to serve in that capacity forever,” Pettaway said “And plus, I wanted to also make room for some younger, brighter minds to come forward.”

Before becoming a judge, Pettaway practiced law in Selma for nearly 30 years after being licensed in 1985. During that time, he handled cases that helped shape Alabama law; something he says he didn’t fully appreciate until colleagues reflected on his impact.

“I handled several cases which actually affected and changed the direction of the state of the law in our state,” he added. “And I didn’t realize I did all that.”

Friends and fellow legal professionals once presented him with research showing his involvement in Alabama Supreme Court cases that made significant changes in state law; a moment he describes as both surprising and humbling.

During his time on the bench, Pettaway says one of his priorities was maintaining professionalism and respect within the legal system.

He often referenced the Alabama State Bar’s Lawyer’s Creed — a pledge attorneys take promising to treat even their opponents with civility and understanding.

“In that creed, you are promising that you’re gonna treat even your opponents with civility and with kindness and understanding.”

Pettaway says he believes the legal profession — and society at large — must continue working toward a culture rooted in respect and service.

Although stepping away from full-time duties, Pettaway says he is not completely leaving the legal field. He has transitioned to retired active status and plans to assist with cases when needed, while also returning to private practice.

He says this new chapter is about balance.

After decades shaping courtrooms across five counties, Pettaway says he is focused on health, perspective and trusting the next generation to carry the bench forward.

Governor Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones to serve the remainder of Pettaway’s six-year term.

Jones previously served as senior chief trial attorney under District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. and has also led the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

The transition marks a new era for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, while closing a significant chapter in its recent history.

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Alabama

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

Published

19 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions continue to work to identify potential fits for the franchise.

The Lions own pick No. 17 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Though Taylor Decker recently announced his return for the 2026 season, Detroit could still be thinking offensive line in the draft’s opening round.

If the Lions opt to fortify their offensive line, one name to watch for Detroit is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. A Lions scout pulled Proctor aside to talk at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.

Now, Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he met with the Lions at the NFL combine.

Proctor started 40 games across his Crimson Tide career, missing just the first two games of the 2024 season with injury.

The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman was Alabama’s highest-graded player last season with an overall offensive grade of 85.9, per Pro Football Focus. Proctor had a pass-blocking grade of 84.2, a run blocking grade of 81.1 and allowed just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

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Alabama

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Alabama lawmakers are weighing in with their opinion after Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted a military strike on Iran overnight.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey responded to a video from the White House X account announcing that we’ve taken military action.

“Strong leadership requires hard decisions,” Ivey posted to X. “This is exactly how we will achieve peace through strength. As @POTUS said, our Armed Forces WILL prevail. May God continue to bless the brave men and women in our military! And may God bless President Trump and our great country.”

Congressman Robert Aderholt said in his own statement that he stands with Trump’s decision. The statement released earlier today, Saturday, Feb. 8, encouraged Trump for taking military action.

“For five decades, Iran has openly called for ‘death to America,’” Aderholt wrote. “I remember clearly when they orchestrated the deaths of 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983. In the years since, the regime has continued pursuing nuclear capabilities that threaten the United States and our allies. I stand with President Trump has he leads these strikes. May God bless the members of our armed forces carrying out these operations”

In addition to being the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Aderholt is also a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall echoed similar sentiment to Aderholt. He cites the same quote.

“For 47 years the vicious Iranian regime has chanted ‘death to America,’” Marshall wrote. “It’s time for swift and decisive action. May God bless the men and women of the Armed Forces. May God bless America.”

Senator Katie Boyd Britt says she echoes Trump’s message from earlier this morning.

“Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism,” Britt said on X. “For 47 years, this murderous regime has operated a terror network that has brought death and destruction to the world and slaughtered innocent Americans. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile capabilities, and funding of proxy terror groups pose a sustained and clear threat to our nation, to our military bases and citizens in the region, and to our allies. This is a defining moment of generational leadership from President Trump to achieve sustainable peace. We are praying for the safety of our men and women in uniform and I echo @POTUS’s message this morning: God bless and protect all of our heroes in harm’s way executing this mission.”

Coach and Senator Tommy Tubberville tweeted, “President Trump has shown time and time again, you NEVER threaten America. God bless our great troops, god bless President Trump, and God bless America.”

U.S. Representative for 1st Congressional District of Alabama Barry Moore responded in a Facebook post.

“May God bless our men and women in uniform,” Moore posted. “Please join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and safety for President Donald J. Trump and all of those keeping our nation safe.”

United States Congresswoman Terri Sewell representing Alabama’s 7th District offered one of the few dissenting opinions from local lawmakers and politicians. Although she acknowledges Iran’s history, Sewell expresses her concern for the lives of U.S. citizens now that peace talks have been abandoned.

“Iran has oppressed their people and supported terrorism in the region for decades,” Sewell said in an official statement. “This fact does not change the President’s obligation under the Constitution to work with Congress on military actions that put our troops in harm’s way and could drag our country into another prolonged war in the Middle East.”

Sewell goes on to say that she’ll work with Congress to arrange a vote on a war powers resolution.

“I am also calling on the Administration to immediately provide a briefing on this ongoing military action, including their justification for abandoning diplomatic talks, as as their strategy for avoiding an extended regional conflict that is not supported by the American people,” Sewell continued. “I am praying for all the service members in the region and their families.”

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