If you’re looking for a quick answer, Kay Ivey is the current Governor of Alabama. She’s been in the job since 2017, and honestly, she’s become a bit of a fixture in Montgomery. Most people know her as "Maw-Maw," a nickname that stuck because of her grandmotherly vibe and that Southern drawl that’s unmistakable if you’ve ever caught one of her press conferences.
But there’s a lot more to the story than just a name.
🔗 Read more: 10 People Shot in Queens: What Really Happened That New Year’s Night
Right now, Alabama is at a bit of a crossroads. We are currently in January 2026, and Governor Ivey just delivered what she called her ninth and final State of the State address on January 13. Since Alabama has term limits, she can't run again. This means the question of "who is the Alabama governor" is about to have a brand-new answer very soon.
The Long Road to the Governor’s Mansion
Kay Ivey didn’t just wake up one day and become governor. She’s a native of Camden, a small town in Wilcox County. She’s 81 years old now, and her career in public service has spanned decades.
You’ve gotta remember how she actually got the job. It wasn’t through a standard election at first. In 2017, the then-governor Robert Bentley resigned amid a pretty messy scandal. Ivey was the Lieutenant Governor at the time, so she was next in line. She stepped up, stabilized the ship, and then went on to win two full terms on her own in 2018 and 2022.
She’s actually made history. Ivey is the longest-serving female governor in the United States right now. She’s also only the second woman to ever hold the office in Alabama, the first being Lurleen Wallace back in the 60s.
Why People are Talking About Her Now
Even though she’s on her way out, Ivey isn't just coasting. Just this week, on January 16, 2026, she signed Executive Order 742. This order is a big deal for parents because it confirms Alabama’s participation in the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program. Basically, it's a move to expand school choice, which has been a major pillar of her "Education Trust Fund" priorities.
She also recently launched a statewide flood notification system. This was a response to some really tragic flooding in Texas that took the lives of some Alabamians. It’s a $1.2 million project aimed at making sure families, especially at summer camps, get alerts before it’s too late.
Who is the Alabama Governor Going to Be Next?
Since Ivey is term-limited, the 2026 election is already heating up. If you live in Alabama, you're going to see a lot of "Vote for Me" signs very soon. The primary is set for May 19, 2026.
There are some heavy hitters in the mix:
- Tommy Tuberville: The former Auburn football coach and current U.S. Senator. He’s got huge name recognition and has already raised millions of dollars for his run.
- Doug Jones: On the Democratic side, the former U.S. Senator has officially launched his campaign. He’s probably the most well-known Democrat in the state.
- Will Boyd & Yolanda Flowers: Both are running again on the Democratic ticket, bringing some familiarity to the race.
- Ken McFeeters: An insurance agent running as a Republican challenger to Tuberville.
It’s gonna be a wild year for Alabama politics. While Ivey is still the one calling the shots in Montgomery for now, the power struggle to replace her is the biggest story in the state.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Office
A lot of people think the Governor of Alabama has absolute power over everything, but that's not quite how it works. Alabama has one of the longest and most restrictive state constitutions in the world.
🔗 Read more: The Brutal Truth About Every US President Assassinated in Office
The Governor has to work very closely with the Legislature, especially when it comes to the budget. Ivey recently proposed her recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2027 budgets. She’s pushing for a record-breaking Education Trust Fund but has suggested some cuts to other areas like Agriculture.
A Quick Look at Her Legacy
When people look back at the Ivey era, they'll probably point to a few specific things:
- Economic Growth: She’s been big on bringing automotive and aerospace jobs to the state.
- Infrastructure: You can’t drive through Alabama without seeing orange barrels. Her "Rebuild Alabama" act put a lot of money into roads and bridges.
- Broadband: She’s made a massive push to get high-speed internet into rural areas that have been left behind for years.
Honestly, she’s a "steady hand" type of leader. Whether you agree with her conservative policies or not, most people agree she brought a sense of calm back to the office after the chaos of the Bentley years.
How to Stay Informed on Alabama Leadership
If you want to keep up with what the governor is doing, you don't have to wait for the nightly news. The Governor's official website (governor.alabama.gov) is actually updated pretty frequently with executive orders and press releases.
You can also track the 2026 election cycle through the Alabama Secretary of State’s office. If you aren't registered to vote yet, that's the place to go. The deadline to register for the upcoming May primary will be here before you know it.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your registration: If you’ve moved recently, make sure your voter registration is current for the May 19 primary.
- Watch the debates: As Tuberville, Jones, and others start campaigning, keep an eye out for televised debates to see where they stand on the issues Ivey is leaving behind.
- Follow the Budget: The 2026 Regular Session is happening right now. Keep an eye on how the Legislature handles Ivey’s final budget proposals, as this will affect schools and local services for the next year.
The "who is the Alabama governor" question is about more than just a person; it's about the direction the state is heading as one era ends and another begins.