Admiral Kent Davis Sues Governor Kay Ivey and the State of Alabama Over Termination

In a dramatic legal turn that has captured the attention of Alabama's political and veterans' communities, retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Kent Davis has filed a federal lawsuit against Governor Kay Ivey and the State of Alabama, alleging wrongful termination, defamation, and violations of his constitutional rights. The lawsuit, filed in June 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, stems from Davis's abrupt dismissal as Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) in October 2024.

Davis, who served as ADVA Commissioner from 2019 until his firing, claims that Governor Ivey lacked the legal authority to remove him from office and that her actions were politically motivated retaliation for his whistleblowing efforts. The lawsuit accuses Ivey of violating Davis's First Amendment right to free speech, his Fourteenth Amendment right to due process, and engaging in defamation and intentional interference with business relations.

The Backstory: A Clash Over ARPA Funds

The conflict began in 2023 when Davis raised concerns about the distribution of federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). According to Davis, the Alabama Department of Mental Health, led by Commissioner Kim Boswell-a member of Ivey's cabinet-allegedly obstructed the ADVA's access to $7 million in ARPA funds intended for veterans' mental health services. Davis filed an ethics complaint against Boswell, accusing her and others of undermining a legislative effort to establish a statewide mental health system for veterans.

Governor Ivey responded by asking Davis to resign, citing alleged mishandling of ARPA funds. Davis initially agreed to step down at the end of 2024, but the State Board of Veterans Affairs-his appointing authority-intervened, voting to request that he rescind his resignation. Davis complied, prompting Ivey to fire him outright in October 2024.

Legal Grounds: Who Had the Power?

At the heart of Davis's lawsuit is a legal question: Who had the authority to terminate him? According to Davis and his legal team, only the State Board of Veterans Affairs-not the governor-had the power to hire or fire the commissioner, and only "for cause." Davis's attorney, Kenneth Mendelsohn, argues that Ivey's unilateral action violated both state law and Davis's due process rights.

"The law was pretty clear that he was hired by the State Board of Veterans Affairs and could only be terminated by the State Board of Veterans Affairs, and only for cause," Mendelsohn said during a press conference.

Governor Ivey's office has pushed back strongly, with spokesperson Gina Maiola stating, "We are extremely confident that Governor Ivey's necessary actions will stand any court test there may be".

Fallout and Legislative Maneuvering

In a move that critics say was designed to consolidate executive power, Governor Ivey signed legislation in March 2025 that stripped the State Board of Veterans Affairs of most of its authority, reducing it to an advisory role within the governor's office. The timing of the bill-coming just months after the board refused to support Davis's termination-has raised eyebrows among political observers and veterans' advocates alike.

Davis's lawsuit also claims that Ivey's public statements about his alleged misconduct have made it difficult for him to find new employment, further compounding the damage to his reputation and career. He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as reinstatement or a formal declaration that his termination was unlawful.

Broader Implications

The case has broader implications for the balance of power in Alabama's state government and the treatment of whistleblowers. If Davis prevails, it could set a precedent limiting the governor's authority over independent state agencies and reinforcing the legal protections afforded to public officials who speak out against perceived wrongdoing.

Veterans' groups are watching the case closely. Davis, a decorated Navy officer with decades of service, was widely respected for his leadership at the ADVA, where he championed mental health initiatives and expanded services for Alabama's veteran population. His firing-and the subsequent legal battle-has sparked concern that political infighting is undermining the state's commitment to those who served.

What's Next?

The lawsuit is still in its early stages, and no trial date has been set. Legal experts say the case could hinge on the interpretation of state statutes governing the ADVA and the extent of the governor's executive authority. Discovery proceedings may also shed light on internal communications between Ivey's office and other state agencies, potentially revealing whether Davis's firing was part of a broader political strategy.

For now, Admiral Kent Davis remains a high-profile figure in Alabama's legal and political landscape-one whose case may ultimately reshape how power is exercised and contested in the state's executive branch.

Davis has been mentioned as a possible candidate for U.S. Senate.