Zeigler Skips PSC Debate Over League Statement

A scheduled debate among candidates for the Alabama Public Service Commission took an unexpected turn this week, as Republican candidate Jim Zeigler announced he will no longer participate.

The debate, set for Tuesday, May 5 at 6 p.m., is hosted by the League of Women Voters of Alabama at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and will be livestreamed.

Zeigler’s withdrawal follows a sharply worded statement from the League criticizing Governor Kay Ivey and her decision to call a special legislative session on congressional redistricting.

On Friday, the League issued the following statement:

“The League of Women Voters of Alabama strongly opposes Governor Ivey’s call for a special legislative session just 18 days before voters head to the polls. Our multiracial democracy depends on maps that do not dilute the political power of Black Alabamians.

“Let’s be clear, the US Supreme Court did not overrule our congressional map. Yet the legislature is now seeking to redraw it to eliminate Black representation in a state where Black residents make up more than a quarter of the population.

“This is an embarrassment and exactly what the League predicted would happen post-Callais when governments no longer fear litigation to prevent racism in redistricting. Alabama must do better for Black residents. Our democracy depends on it.”

In response, Zeigler questioned the League’s neutrality, saying the group is “pretending to be a neutral and fair promoter of election information but is in reality an advocate for Democrat party issues. They can’t have it both ways.”

Governor Ivey called the special session after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which addressed the role of race in drawing congressional districts. The session began Monday, May 5 at 4 p.m., one day before the debate.

Alabama’s congressional map has been at the center of legal and political tension in recent years. In 2023, a federal court oversaw a redraw that resulted in a second district more favorable to Democratic candidates. In the 2024 election, Shomari Figures won that seat, adding to its significance in a closely divided U.S. House.

Zeigler, a former State Auditor, said he will instead take his campaign directly to voters.

In a statement, he said:

“I will not lend credibility to an organization that is fighting the proper districting of Alabama’s congressional districts. I stand in favor of returning the districting power to the elected representatives of the people of Alabama and taking it away from the federal courts. I refuse to stand on the stage with the League of Women Voters while they fight against the correction of the wrongful gerrymandering of our congressional districts.

“The League of Women Voters is now a front for the Democrat Party, and I will not stand on the stage at their forum. I will continue taking my case directly to Alabama voters and ratepayers, and I welcome any debate hosted by a non-partisan body.”

Zeigler is seeking the Republican nomination for PSC Place 2. He faces appointed incumbent Chris Beeker III, former PSC staffer Brent Woodall, and former Houston County Commission candidate Priscilla Andrews in the May 19 primary.

For more information, go to https://zig4alabama.com or follow Zeigler on social media.