By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — Montgomery businesswoman and former U.S. Ambassador Lynda Blanchard has entered the race for U.S. Senate to replace the retiring Richard Shelby.

Blanchard, who served as President Donald Trump's ambassador to Slovenia from 2019 to 2021, appears to be the first Republican to formally announce her candidacy for the seat.

In her campaign announcement, Blanchard stated, "If you're sick of career politicians, insiders, and swamp creatures that stand for socialism or cheerlead censorship, then I'm asking for your vote to stand strong for Alabama by sending a true outsider to the Senate."

"We will give the Swamp a heckuva dose of the common sense and conservative principle that it needs to truly 'Make America Great Again' – just like President Trump did," Blanchard continued.

Blanchard will begin her campaign with a self-investment of $5 million dollars. Jeff Roe and Ethan Zorfas of Axiom Strategies, who consulted U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville's bid last year, will lead her campaign.