Alabama Farmers Celebrate Election Wins, Prepare to Work with Leaders

MONTGOMERY, Ala., Nov. 4 - Alabama Farmers Federation members celebrated FarmPAC victories Tuesday night while vowing to stay engaged with elected officials to strengthen agriculture, forestry and rural Alabama.

"Although national races reflected a shift toward more liberal candidates, the majority of Alabama voters affirmed their support for common sense, smaller government and conservative values," said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. "We are proud to be among the earliest supporters of Coach Tuberville and look forward to working with his administration to move Alabama forward. Our members are especially excited about wins by candidates with deep ties to the Federation and rural Alabama, including future Attorney General Katherine Robertson, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Corey Hill and Secretary of State Caroleene Dobson."

Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidates prevailed in 142 of 150 races, including victories for 15 statewide contests, six U.S. Senate and Congressional races, 118 Alabama legislative seats and three State Board of Education members. Not all races were contested, and the Federation did not make endorsements for every office.

"The shift of control in Congress will make it more difficult to pass a farm bill and hold the line against increased regulations and higher taxes," Parnell added. "Fortunately, Alabama is blessed with a Congressional delegation that will fight for Alabama farmers. We are thankful to have Barry Moore joining Katie Britt in the U.S. Senate. Together, they will be a powerful voice for our people."

Federation members appreciated Rep. Shomari Figures' commitment to farmers in his acceptance speech as he returns to Washington, where he will likely continue serving on the House Agriculture Committee in the Democratic majority.

Parnell expressed disappointment in the defeat of conservative members of the Alabama Legislature.

"Some good legislators were casualties of changing demographics, straight-ticket voting and negative sentiment about national issues," Parnell said. "While we will miss the leadership of longtime friends of farmers, it is our job to educate newly elected officials on issues important to our members. Farmers are resilient. On the farm, we adapt to changing conditions almost daily. Our members are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work."

Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidates elected include:

• Tommy Tuberville, Governor
• John Wahl, Lieutenant Governor
• Katherine Robertson, Attorney General
• Caroleene Dobson, Secretary of State
• Young Boozer, State Treasurer
• Andrew Sorrell, State Auditor
• Corey Hill, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
• Barry Moore, U.S. Senate
• Jerry Carl, U.S. Congress, District 1
• Mike Rogers, U.S. Congress, District 3
• Robert Aderholt, U.S. Congress, District 4
• Dale Strong, U.S. Congress, District 5
• Gary Palmer, U.S. Congress, District 6
• Matt Gentry, Public Service Commission, Place 1
• Jim Zeigler, Public Service Commission, Place 2
• Brad Mendheim, Alabama Supreme Court, Place 7
• Greg Shaw, Alabama Supreme Court, Place 8
• Mary Windom, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4
• Riggs Walker, Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5
• Ben Bowden, Court of Civil Appeals, Place 4
• Matt Fridy, Court of Civil Appeals, Place 5
• Tracie West, State Board of Education, District 2
• Yvette Richardson, State Board of Education, District 4
• Emily Jones, State Board of Education, District 8

Parnell commended Federation members for turning out to vote - noting their grassroots support made the difference for many FarmPAC-endorsed candidates.

"During this 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it was encouraging to see strong voter turnout in the general election," Parnell said. "America's founding fathers acknowledged our rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness come from our Creator and that government derives its power from the consent of the governed. This is a reminder that Tuesday's election of new constitutional officers, legislators and members of Congress is only the beginning of our duty as citizens. Elected leaders can count on the Alabama Farmers Federation to continue being a strong voice for farmers and rural families in Montgomery and Washington."