The son of former governor Fob James stated God called him to lead the conservative state, claiming he would rally against the “godless Marxism” threat.
“We’re reaching the tipping point, and we will turn back to our Judeo-Christian heritage, or we will be ruled by some form of godless Marxism that controls every aspect of our lives under the yoke of fear and intimidation,” he said in front of the state’s Capitol building with Christian music playing and standing beside a flag featuring a cross.
James attacked current Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican who is seeking reelection this year, for her stance on medical marijuana and Alabama’s education system during his speech.
James previously stated he isn’t vaccinated and said Republican leaders were not doing enough to fight against vaccine mandates, such as the one implemented at the University of Alabama in Birmingham before the state’s Attorney General’s office intervened.
“On my watch, Washington will never be our puppetmaster and their vaccine mandates and vaccine passports can go straight to hell,” James said.
During his speech to evangelicals, James brought up Alabama’s early support for Israel’s formation as a nation, a topic many evangelicals consider a central issue.
In September 2021, James hinted he would run for office. He previously ran for governor in 2002 and 2010, narrowly missing the GOP runoff by about 200 votes.
“We stand at the gate of our state Capitol and seek God’s forgiveness for the sins of America, and we decree in the name of Jesus that Alabama will lead America in the years ahead, back to its proper position of authority amongst the nations, of which authority was granted by God at our inception,” said James, who quoted scripture.
Angela James said her husband is a warrior prepared to lead a “crusade” and has the same evangelical zeal and spiritual discernment as his mother and father, who was elected to a four-year term in 1979 and reelected to a second term in 1995.
“The apple does not fall far from the tree,” she said.
James previously staked out far-right positions, including criticizing legislation that allowed students to do yoga in public schools.
Other candidates who’ve announced their run for office include Former Books-A-Million executive Lew Burdette; former Ambassador to Solvenia Lindy Blanchard; correctional officer and former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy George; and Opelika pastor Dean Odle.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
