By Paul DeMarco
Labor Day is usually the kick off for election season in Alabama, even with an election many months away.
While we are over a year away from the United States presidential contest in November of 2024, Alabama voters should get ready for the marathon run leading up to the big day. Because Alabama is one of the early primary states in the Nation, there will be a lot of visits by the contenders to the White House that come to the state between now and next Spring when the election is held on March 5, 2024
There is also talk of a Republican Party Presidential Primary Debate that may be held in Alabama in October. If the event happens, the eyes of the Nation will be on our state as candidates make their case to win the GOP nomination. This will further cement Alabama’s vital role in picking the next president as well.
The real campaigns will get up and going soon with qualifying in November ends for all state and federal offices in Alabama. There will be a number of offices up for grabs from Congressional Representatives to both appellate, circuit and district court judges.
Finally, the state’s Congressional maps which were re-drawn by the Alabama legislature are still in flux and will continue to be litigated in federal court. These maps could include another review visit back up to the United States Supreme Court. There could be new district lines that will upset the apple cart and could pit incumbent congressman against each other depending on what the courts decide.
So get ready for a busy political season in Alabama during the coming months.
Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found at @Paul_DeMarco on X, formerly known as Twitter.