The National Rifle Association on Thursday endorsed Gov. Kay Ivey and Attorney General Steve Marshall for election to full terms.

Both Ivey and Marshall ascended to their positions in 2017 as replacements to Robert Bentley and Luther Strange, respectively.

"Based on their track record of proven support for the Second Amendment, Kay Ivey and Steve Marshall have each earned 'A' ratings from the NRA-PVF in the June 5, 2018 Republican primary election," the NRA said in its announcement Thursday. "An 'A' rating is reserved for a pro-gun lawmaker who has supported the NRA's position on issues of importance to gun owners."

Both Ivey and Marshall face crowded fields to win the Republican nomination. Ivey is being challenged by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Birmingham evangelist Scott Dawson and state Sen. Bill Hightower of Mobile.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall received the endorsement of the NRA on May 17, 2018. (AL.com file photo)

Marshall is being challenged by Chess Bedsole, who led efforts to elect President Trump in Alabama, former Alabama AG Troy King and former deputy AG Alice Martin.

As lieutenant governor, Ivey became governor when Bentley resigned in April 2017. Marshall, the district attorney in Marshall County, was named AG by Bentley in February 2017 after Bentley appointed Luther Strange to the U.S. Senate.

"During her years in public service, Kay Ivey has unapologetically defended the Second Amendment," Chris W. Cox, NRA-PVF chairman, said in the announcement. "Alabamians can trust that Kay Ivey will fight to protect their constitutional right to to self-defense."

"I'm honored to join the National Rifle Association in the fight to protect our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms," Ivey said in a statement Thursday night.

The NRA cited Marshall's work as attorney general in working to "prevent local governments from imposing gun control laws. He also stood strong against efforts to ban commonly owned firearms and magazines. In addition, Marshall filed a strong amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of Alabama and 25 states, arguing that a ban on carrying a handgun outside the home for self-defense is unconstitutional."