The governor's race in Alabama

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is in a very solid position heading into this year’s gubernatorial race.

That’s the big takeaway from this month's Birmingham Power Poll, which surveys influential local leaders each month on key topics in the community.

The Birmingham Power Poll is not a scientific poll, but does offer a window into the perspectives of influential Birmingham community and business leaders.

Ivey was the preferred choice of 53% of Power Poll respondents. She was the only candidate in the poll to garner at least 10% of the vote — although 37% said they were undecided or didn’t include any of the candidates in the poll.

Similarly, 55% of respondents gave Ivey at least a ‘B’ grade for her performance in the state’s highest office.

Ivey became governor after the resignation of former Gov. Robert Bentley and has presided over a period of significant economic development growth while also leading the state through the Covid-19 crisis.

The state’s economic development success is likely to loom large in the race, as economic and business issues were cited as the most important factor in the race by 47% of respondents.