Auburn alumnus Tim James announced that he is running for governor as a Republican in 2022 at a kickoff event held on the steps of the State Capitol Wednesday morning.
In a press release, James, 59, expressed that if elected his policies will focus on defending "our" values, fighting casino gambling and medical marijuana, improving education, providing tax cuts and protecting the state from federal vaccine mandates.
James' campaign is focused on preserving Alabama's Godly heritage, according to the press release.
“Alabama has always been mocked for our values, but God has called this state to lead,” James said. “America will turn to Alabama for counsel and wisdom because of the authority God placed on our shoulders years ago. Alabama honored the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when others turned away, and if we continue to do that, we will be blessed beyond measure. Alabama, and often, Alabama alone, has stood like a rock in a river, resisting the decline of our country.”
During the announcement of his campaign, James criticized Gov. Kay Ivey and the choices of her administration.
“Personally, I believe our governor is a good person. She has been a friend of our family for 40 years,” James said. “But I think the administration is overwhelmed. And I am running for governor because I believe the leadership in this state have capitulated to the political structures that control Montgomery. They just don’t have the stomach for the fight. I say this because we have watched them cave to the special interests and political parasites who care nothing about you, or this cultural battle being waged.”
He also expressed his views towards the use of medical marijuana, stating that if elected he would repeal the “medical marijuana charade.”
"Basically, medical marijuana is not helping our kids," James said. "It is the gateway drug, and it is killing them. But now, under Republican leadership, anyone with a medical marijuana card can have over 60 doses of marijuana at one time. Who needs that much in their pocket unless they want to peddle it on the street?”
Another one of James’ campaign goals is to reform the public education system, saying, “We must deconstruct the education system — to its foundation — and rebuild it from the ground up.”
James graduated from Auburn University in 1985, earning a bachelor's degree in finance and currently owns an asphalt and construction company with his father and brothers. His 2022 bid is his third campaign for the position, after previous runs in 2002 and 2010.
The Alabama primary is scheduled for May 24, 2022.
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My Ly, junior in journalism, is the community editor of The Auburn Plainsman.
