Governor Ivey Marks Historic Nine Years in Office

April 10, 2026 - MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey on Friday marked nine years since being sworn in as the 54th Governor of the State of Alabama, a milestone that cements her as the longest consecutively serving governor in state history. Her tenure, which began on April 10, 2017, has been defined by major policy initiatives, economic expansion, and a series of reforms that have reshaped multiple sectors of state government.

Over the past nine years, Alabama has experienced record‑setting economic development, including significant job creation and investment from major industries. State officials have credited her administration with strengthening Alabama's business climate and expanding workforce opportunities across rural and urban communities.

Education has also been a central focus. Under Governor Ivey's leadership, Alabama has posted nationally recognized gains in early literacy, career technical education, and student achievement metrics. Her administration has emphasized long‑term strategies to improve school performance, expand school choice options, and support teachers.

Infrastructure has been another hallmark of her tenure. The governor has overseen transformational improvements to Alabama's roads, bridges, and broadband access, including the Rebuild Alabama Act and major statewide digital expansion projects aimed at connecting underserved communities.

Public safety initiatives have included new measures to combat violent crime, strengthen law enforcement recruitment, and expand support for first responders. Her administration has also advanced reforms within the state's correctional system, including facility modernization efforts and changes to improve safety and compliance.

Governor Ivey has frequently highlighted her commitment to what she describes as "Alabama values," including policies related to families, faith, and community stability. Her administration has enacted legislation touching on parental rights, child welfare, and cultural issues that have been central to state political debates.

Reflecting on the milestone, Governor Ivey said:

"I wake up each day grateful to God that I have the chance to call Alabama home and that my fellow Alabamians have placed their confidence in me to lead our state forward. Nine years ago, I pledged to the people of Alabama that I would leave our state better than I found it. We have made great progress over the last nine years, but our work is not done. I promise to continue giving it my all until the last day of my term to make sure Alabama remains the best state in which to live, work and raise a family."

Former Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, former Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, and current Chief of Staff Liz Filmore each reflected on Governor Ivey's leadership and their memories of April 10, 2017, noting the challenges the state faced at the time and the direction her administration has taken since.

As Governor Ivey enters the final stretch of her term, state leaders and observers continue to assess the long‑term impact of her policies on Alabama's economy, infrastructure, and public institutions.