WATCH LIVE: Alabama Governor Kay Ivey delivers the 2026 State of the State address

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey will deliver her ninth and final State of the State address on Tuesday as the Alabama Legislature begins its 2026 regular session.

Alabama Public Television will broadcast the speech, with special coverage from the Capitol Journal beginning at 5:30 PM CST (6:30 PM EST). Watch the live stream in our video player above.

In her final year as governor, Ivey is likely to address topics that will shape her legacy in office, from improving education to investing in infrastructure.

Ahead of Tuesday’s speech, Ivey announced the special guests she will honor.

He watches: New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy delivers his 2026 State of the State address

The first is Rodney Smith Jr., a Huntsville native and founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service. Smith’s mission began in 2015 as a computer science student at Alabama A&M University, when he helped an elderly neighbor mow his lawn. This simple act of kindness grew into a national movement, leading to a 50-state effort to provide free care to veterans, military families, first responders and those in need.

Ivey will also honor students from Booker T. Washington K-8 School in Birmingham, one of the state’s successful “transformation schools.”

“These special guests represent the best of our state,” Ivey said in a news release. “I’m from Alabama Steps Up to Help Veterans, talented students who share their talents through music, and young people who demonstrate what’s possible in classrooms once written off — good things are happening in our 67 counties, and these guests help tell our success story in Alabama. I’m proud to welcome them to the Capitol on Tuesday evening as we continue to work together to build a stronger future for our state.”