The Alabama Forestry Association’s political arm on Monday announced its endorsement of former State Sen. Bill Hightower (R-Mobile) for Congress.

Hightower is currently running against Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl in Alabama’s First Congressional District Republican primary runoff.

In a statement, Alabama Forestry Association executive vice president Chris Isaacson said, “Bill Hightower is the right man for the job. He has a proven, conservative track record as state senator, where he was a proponent for private property rights and fiscally responsible limited government. We know he will take that same approach in Washington.”

Hightower stated that he was “excited to receive the endorsement of the ForestPAC.”

“Our sawmills, loggers, foresters, and wood suppliers play a critical role in Alabama’s economy and the economy of our entire country,” he continued. “As an Alabama State Senator, I worked with pro-business groups like the Alabama Forestry Association, who are working to create a better Alabama for all. And as south Alabama’s next congressman, I will support pro-business, free enterprise policies that will help our industries grow, prosper, and thrive, creating new job opportunities for the future. The forest industry’s success will be a success for all of Alabama, and I am looking forward to being a strong voice on their behalf in Congress.”

The announcement of the Forestry endorsement comes the week after the Alabama Farmers Federation’s political arm endorsed Carl. Carl last week also announced the endorsement of Coastal 150.

The runoff will be held on July 14. The seat is being vacated by Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-01), who ran for the U.S. Senate instead of seeking reelection.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn