primary elections

As the Republican presidential primary intensifies this summer, most White House hopefuls are devoting their time to events in Iowa and New Hampshire, the states that will kick off the nomination process early next year. Not Ron DeSantis or Donald Trump. The leading contenders for the GOP nod so far aren't ignoring voters in the traditional early states. But they doing more than the other GOP candidates to strengthen their position in states like Alabama.

State Senator Slade Blackwell has dropped out of the race for Alabama governor, shortly after having announced his surprise candidacy.Alabama Republican…