Primary Victories Highlight Alabama FarmPAC’s Grassroots Impact

The Alabama Farmers Federation's grassroots strength was highlighted Tuesday as Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidates prevailed in hotly contested primary races.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said victories in key races reaffirm the influence of local Federation leaders.

"Tuesday night demonstrated the power of personal relationships," Parnell said. "FarmPAC's endorsement is coveted because it is rooted in our organization's conservative values and backed by engaged Federation leaders in every local community. Hard-working Alabama families and small business owners, including farmers, are in a fight for the future of our state. Common sense won the first battle."

By all counts, more money was spent per candidate in the May 19 primary elections than in Alabama's history. Out-of-state gambling interests doubled down on their bet to control the Alabama Legislature. Sports books, which have created an epidemic of addiction among young men, dumped millions into legislative races - with dollars spent in some House and Senate districts rivaling what's typically contributed for statewide races. The Federation has a longstanding policy opposing legalized gambling in any form.

In legislative races, FarmPAC-endorsed candidates won or advanced to the runoff in 21 of 25 matchups in the Republican primary. These included contests where FarmPAC-supported challengers faced entrenched incumbents as well as victories in open seats and where strong conservative incumbents faced well-funded challengers.

Key Republican wins were:

• Terry Waters, Senate District 22
• Rusty Glover, Senate District 34
• Maurice McCaney, House District 1
• Mike Elliott, House District 13
• Rick Rehm, House District 85
• Danielle Duggar, House District 96

Advancing to the runoff were:

• Jeff Monroe, House District 37
• Joseph Freeman, House District 95

FarmPAC-endorsed candidates also were successful in 10 of 13 contested races in the Democratic primary.

Key Democrat wins were:

• Travis Hendrix, House District 55
• Patrick Sellers, House District 57
• Alicia Escott Lumpkin, House District 60
• Kelvin Lawrence, House District 69
• Penni McClammy, House District 76
• Berry Forte, House District 84

Advancing to the runoff was:

• Pebblin Warren, House District 82

In statewide, Congressional and State Board of Education races where FarmPAC-endorsed candidates faced primary opposition, the organization's picks won or advanced to runoffs in 10 of 13 contests.

"With less than 1% of people involved in farming, it's important to support candidates who understand the importance of agriculture and forestry to our state," Parnell said. "This year, we were able to elect statewide officials who were raised on farms and share the Christian values and work ethic of our members. Local Federation leaders were excited to support Corey Hill, Katherine Robertson and Caroleene Dobson, among others, and we are proud to see them advance."

FarmPAC-endorsed candidates earning the Republican nomination were:

• Tommy Tuberville, Governor
• Caroleene Dobson, Secretary of State
• Young Boozer, State Treasurer
• Matt Gentry, Public Service Commission, Place 1
• Mike Rogers, U.S. Congress, District 3
• Robert Aderholt, U.S. Congress, District 4

Advancing to the June 16 Republican runoff were:

• Wes Allen, Lieutenant Governor
• Katherine Robertson, Attorney General
• Corey Hill, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries
• Chris Beeker, Public Service Commission, Place 2
• Steve Marshall, U.S. Senate

"Candidates work to earn our support by demonstrating shared values and commitment to public policy that strengthens farms, families, small businesses and rural communities - even when it's hard," Parnell said. "In this election cycle, county Federation leaders remembered when candidates took that relationship for granted and failed to listen when farmers voiced their concerns. If incumbents supported government overreach, more regulations, weakened private property rights, supported gambling or imposed mandates that drive up the cost of living, they were less likely to earn the support of FarmPAC or the voters, as was evident in this election. Victories by candidates who earned the trust of county Farmers Federations demonstrate grassroots connections are still more powerful than out-of-state dollars."