Gubernatorial Victory Speech – November 6, 2018

Thank you, thank you. Together – we've done it! [cheers] The people of Alabama have spoken today, loud and clear, and we want to keep Alabama on the right track and keep Alabama working!

Todd Strange, mayor of Montgomery, thank you for that introduction. He is the best mayor we’ve had in a long, long time. I call him a friend as well, and I want to thank you for being with us tonight. [applause]

It is with immense gratitude that I stand before you tonight as the next governor of Alabama. [applause and cheering] I am ever so grateful for your steadfast support, your prayers and your votes.

Folks, tonight, today, together, we have made history. The first Republican woman elected governor. [applause and cheering]

And this is the first time in our history where a lieutenant governor became governor, who went forward and won the elections as governor of Alabama. [applause]

And the odds of me winning…the odds were against me. Some folks said I would never make it across the finish line. Others claimed I was on my last breath. [laughter] But nothing could be further from the truth. Not only did I finish, but we finished strong! [applause] And we are just getting started. [applause]

Most of you have seen my television ad – “This is as close as I will ever get to be.” Dreams are possible in Alabama. [applause]

And we are altogether an effective team, and team stands for Together Each Accomplishes More. So let me introduce several teams and thank them.

The first is the governor’s staff, and the governor’s staff lead by chief of staff Steve Pelham. Governor’s staff, please raise your hand. [applause]

And next is the most efficient, effective, outstanding governor’s cabinet ever assembled. Governor’s cabinet, raise… [applause]

And now, another very effective team is the campaign staff and the campaign team, lead by Mike Lukach, chairman, campaign chairman – where are you? [applause]

And I am also very grateful that all of my constitutional officers were elected tonight. And also in the Legislature, we have lots of new members in the Legislature. I will be meeting soon with them, as well as with the leadership of the Legislature.

Relationships matter. Open communication between the executive and legislative branch matter. So going forward, I want you to know we are focused on being effective.

The last 19 months have been busy, challenging and rewarding. Working together, Alabama has achieved new heights, but we cannot rest on our success. With your help and support, I plan to replicate a proven model by which I will govern in the next four years.

Alabama’s best days are just ahead of us. [applause]

I have always said I had one simple goal as a public servant, and that is when I walk away, I want to leave things in far better shape than when I started.

So with your help, we will make Alabama an even better place to raise a family, own a home and create a business. [applause]

Tonight, may God continue to bless each one of you, and the great state of Alabama. [cheers and applause]

WVTM 13 News. "Kay Ivey speaks after winning the Alabama governor's race." YouTube video, 6:05. Nov. 6, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2TJPX9F5pE