Former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman consider the Governor’s race crucial for the state’s future.

Siegelman spoke Tuesday at the African-American Episcopal Church Conference at Historic Brown Chapel AME Church. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, the Democratic nominee for Governor, also spoke.

Statewide voters will choose between Incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey and Maddox on Nov. 6.

“It’s the most critical election the state of Alabama has faced in the last 20 years,” Siegelman said. “If we want to move forward, voters have to choose, put aside party labels and vote for the best candidate.”

Maddox seeks to become the state’s first Democratic Governor since Siegelman was elected in 1998. They stood side-by-side in Brown Chapel AME Church and received loud applause.

“I’m going to need your help getting elected,” Maddox told Siegelman.

“I’ll do what I can,” Siegelman replied.

Siegelman is disappointed that Ivey hasn’t accepted Maddox’s challenge to a series of four two-hour debates. Last month, Ivey accused Maddox of being unclear on issues such as the Supreme Court, abortion and gun rights.

“I wish the TV stations in Montgomery and Mobile would put pressure on the candidates to have a debate,” Siegelman said. “The people deserve to know what the sides the two candidates stand on. The only way to do so is to have a debate.”

Siegelman was convicted on federal felony corruption charges and sentenced to seven years in federal prison. He was released on Feb. 8, 2017.

The 72-year-old is the only person in Alabama elected to serve in all four of the top statewide elected offices: Secretary of State, Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor and Governor.

These days, Siegelman is focused on getting his son, Joe Siegelman, elected as state Attorney General. The younger Siegelman faces incumbent Steve Marshall in the General Election.

“My son works for the people and I’m real proud of him,” Siegelman said.