Democratic Nominees for Statewide Office Make Their Case to South Baldwin Democrats in Foley

FOLEY — Three Democratic nominees for statewide office addressed the South Baldwin Democrats during a recent meeting in Foley, making their pitches to local voters as the party fields a candidate for every state office on the November ballot.

Violet Edwards, Ron Sparks and Phillip Ensler each spoke to the gathering despite a thunderstorm outside, presenting themselves as alternatives to Republican incumbents and challengers in what has long been a deeply Republican state.

Edwards Seeks a Fully Funded Audit Department

Edwards, a Madison County commissioner and the Democratic nominee for state auditor, outlined her vision for a more robust audit operation. She will face Republican incumbent Justin Sorrell, who has held the position since 2023.

“What I want to bring to you is a fully funded and a fully staffed audit department,” Edwards said.

She pointed to what she described as a significant staffing shortfall. “Because right now, there are 190 offices that are audited by the state, and we have nine people working in those offices,” she said. “I’m not saying those nine people aren’t doing a good job; I’m saying they’re underfunded.”

Sparks Aims to Revive the Agriculture Department

Sparks, who served as commissioner of agriculture and industries from 2003 to 2010, is seeking a return to the post. He faces Republican nominee Corey Hill, the mayor of Douglas. Incumbent Rick Pate vacated the seat to run for lieutenant governor but was eliminated in the Republican primary.

“I want to bring back the energy that we had when I was there before,” Sparks said. “We got to save the farmers in Alabama. We got to save the farmland in Alabama. We go to protect the consumers in Alabama.”

He specifically cited concerns about fuel inspection. “The consumers of Alabama work too hard and when they go buy a gallon of gas, they deserve to get a gallon of gas and that’s not what happens right now. We don’t have the inspectors. We don’t have the gas lab anymore. I want to make sure we bring the department back the way I left it when I left there in 2010.”

Ensler Runs for Lieutenant Governor

Ensler, who represents District 74 in the Alabama House of Representatives, is running for lieutenant governor against Republican nominee John Wahl, the former Alabama Republican Party chairman and chair of the state library board.

“Running for lieutenant governor means it’s a chance to continue serving,” Ensler said. “I’ve been doing it as a teacher, as a lawyer and as a legislator. It’s a chance to really continue to move things forward that are going to help people get more money in their pockets, expand access to healthcare, so I’m excited and ask people of all backgrounds for their supporting vote.”

A Coordinated Ticket With Doug Jones

Ensler has been endorsed by former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, who is running for governor against Republican nominee U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville. According to Ensler, it was Jones who recruited him to run for lieutenant governor, and the two are campaigning as a coordinated ticket.

“I really see it as a partnership,” Ensler said of his relationship with Jones. “Right now, the governor and lieutenant governor operate pretty separately, but we really envision it as something where it would be a team. I would help execute day-to-day tasks, so campaigning with him and working with him so far has been great and I look forward to us winning in November and taking office.”

The Offices at Stake

The state auditor examines the financial records of state agencies and helps safeguard public funds. The commissioner of agriculture and industries oversees everything from farmer support and consumer protection to fuel inspection and weights-and-measures enforcement. The lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate and steps in for the governor when needed.

Each role carries real responsibilities, and the candidates used their time in Foley to outline how they would approach them differently from the incumbents.

A Longshot in a Red State

Alabama has not elected a Democrat to a statewide office since 2006, nearly two decades, and Republicans hold every seat on the statewide ballot. The party’s nominees face long odds against well-funded Republican opponents, but the presence of a full slate is itself notable, and the meeting drew a crowd despite the weather.

South Baldwin Democrats, like similar groups across the state, use meetings like this one to organize, register voters, recruit volunteers and keep the party’s message visible year-round rather than only in the final weeks before an election.

Looking Toward November

The three nominees signaled they intend to campaign vigorously across the state, not just in Democratic-leaning pockets. Whether that translates into victories in a deeply conservative Alabama remains uncertain, but the energy in the room and the rare full slate suggest the party is treating the election as an opportunity to be heard.

For Edwards, Sparks and Ensler, the Foley gathering was a chance to speak directly to engaged local Democrats and make the case that the November contest is worth showing up for.