Support for Alabama Parole Board Chair’s Reappointment

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, along with various law enforcement leaders in the state, is urging Governor Kay Ivey to keep the current chair of the Alabama Commission on Pardon and Parole. Marshall is specifically hoping that Ivey will reappoint Lee Gwasney, who has faced criticism from some progressives who consider her to be too strict in her approach to parole decisions.

“Reappointing Lee Gwasney is about more than just leadership; it’s about safeguarding Alabama families from violent offenders and amplifying the voices of victims, which often go unheard,” Marshall stated.

He emphasized that Gwasney remains acutely aware of the stakes involved in the current public safety crisis, stating that the safety of citizens and the dignity of those victimized by violent crimes are paramount.

The request was formalized in a letter sent by Marshall and 76 other law enforcement officials to the governor, detailing their reasons for wanting Gwasney to continue her role. They noted that in 2019, they supported Ivey’s initiatives to reform the state’s amnesty and parole system. The letter remarked that Gwasney’s prior experience in prosecuting violent crimes in Jefferson County, as well as her role in the Attorney General’s Office, equips her with unique qualifications to oversee the parole board effectively.

The parole rate in Alabama was notably higher before 2019, peaking at 55% in 2017. However, since Gwasney took over, that number has dropped significantly, hitting 8% in 2023 and 20% in 2024.

Marshall and fellow law enforcement leaders believe that maintaining lower parole rates enhances the safety of Alabama’s citizens, thus making Gwasney the ideal candidate for this position. The letter also highlighted her willingness to continue serving despite facing substantial criticism from the media, which they described as unprecedented and unfair. This shows a level of courage and commitment that is quite rare in Montgomery, they argued.