Kay Ivey makes history as second female Governor of Alabama
Amid the scandal of Governor Robert Bentley’s resignation, Kay Ivey has made Alabama history.
Ivey was sworn into office as the 54th Governor of Alabama on Monday, April 10, becoming only the second woman to hold that office in Alabama and the first Republican female to do so. Previously, Lurleen Wallace, wife of former democratic Gov. George Wallace, held the position in 1967. Ivey becomes the fifth woman currently serving as governor in the U.S.
“This is both a dark day in Alabama, but also one of opportunity,” Ivey said after taking the oath of office Monday. “I ask for your help as together we steady the ship of state and improve Alabama’s image. These are my first priorities as your governor.”
Ivey, 72, was elected to the seat of Lt. Governor in 2010 and 2014 and served as state treasurer for eight years, from 2003-2011. Ivey will complete Bentley’s current term of governor until January 2019.
“When I took office in 2001 and again in 2015, I was prepared for this day but never desired it and certainly never expected it to come,” Ivey said. “The people of Alabama can be sure there will be no disruption in the functions of government.”
Ivey is a native of Wilcox County, attending the same high school as Sen. Jeff Sessions. She graduated from Auburn University in 1967 and had a varied career, working as a teacher, a banker, a higher education administrator, and assistant director of state’s industrial recruitment agency. Her career in politics began in the early 1980s, serving as executive assistant for social services and then assistant director of the Alabama Development Office.
“Serving as your governor and representative of Alabama is no small task. I pledge to each of you to do my very best, “ Ivey pledged. “The Ivey administration will be open, transparent, and it will be honest.”
She asked for prayers, patience, and support for the upcoming days and weeks, as she begins her transition in to the role of governor.