MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Voters in Alabama will head to the polls in just over eight months for primary elections, and state party leaders say they’re gearing up for 2024.
Some Republican hopefuls have already visited the state, and ALGOP President John Wahl says that will only continue in the coming months.
Among the candidates who have made stops this year are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and next August, former President Donald Trump.
Wahl hopes the visit by these candidates will help voters make informed decisions.
“I love introducing national candidates to the state of Alabama, as well as giving the people of Alabama the opportunity to interact and speak with these candidates,” Wahl said.
Wahl says some issues that will be important to Alabama Republicans this election cycle include fiscal responsibility and greater parental involvement in children’s education.
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He says one thing the party is really trying to emphasize ahead of March is that every vote counts.
“This is an exciting Republican primary for president, the highest office in all, not just the country, but the most powerful position in the world. We hope all voters will come out and make their voices heard. I like to talk about the importance that even a vote is,” Wahl said.
Alabama Democratic Chairman Randy Kelley says a large field of Republican candidates can be a good thing for Democrats as he says they focus on supporting President Joe Biden.
“I’m optimistic about the Democratic Party because the Republican Party is fighting for an important candidate,” Kelley said.
Kelley says she’d like to see 2024 focus more on gun reform and ensuring all children have access to a quality education.
Right now, he says the state party is working to get people registered to vote and promote the Biden administration.
“This will be a great opportunity to wake some up as well as energize others by letting them know what Democrats have done and what Democrats are doing,” Kelley said.
The Alabama statewide primary is March 5, 2024, and the general election is November 5, 2024.
