Gov. Ivey Running For Full Term As Governor

HOOVER, AL - Gov. Kay Ivey signed papers Monday to qualify to run for her first full-term as governor of Alabama. She filled out the papers on a visit to the the Alabama Republican Party headquarters in Hoover.

Ivey took office after former Gov. Robert Bentley resigned in 2017 amid a sex scandal. Ivey said she provided continuity when "Alabama was under a dark cloud," adding that she wants to continue to clean up Alabama's government.

Ivey will give her first State of the State address on Tuesday before the 2018 Alabama Legislature begins its session.

"Because I am a conservative, I want to continue to fight for Alabama families," Ivey said. "Unemployment is at an all-time, record low. We are cleaning up Montgomery, and we are restoring conservative values to state government. We will continue to fight for more jobs and higher pay, safer streets and improved schools for everyone."

Ivey was the first woman governor since Lurleen B. Wallace, the wife of George Wallace. Lurleen Wallace was elected in 1966 but died in office 16 months later.

The gubernatorial primary is set for June 5. The general election will be held on Nov. 6.

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson