The Alabama Forestry Association recently announced its endorsement for 10 Republican candidates seeking election to the Alabama House of Representatives.
Ernie Yarbrough, House District 7
House District 7 covers all of Lawrence County, as well as parts of Colbert and Morgan Counties. Yarbrough, a resident of Trinity, is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville with an electrical engineering degree. He owns a software development company.
In a statement touting AFA’s endorsement of his candidacy, Yarbrough said he intends to work alongside the association to benefit the state’s timber industry.
“I am so honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Yarbrough. “As a lifelong resident of Alabama, I love the outdoor nature and look forward to working with this conservative and valuable association to preserve and promote Alabama the beautiful.”
David Cole, House District 10
House District 10 covers a portion of Madison County. Cole, a retired U.S. Army colonel, served as a surgeon for 22 years including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He was awarded three Bronze Stars and an Air Medal for his service.
Cole is a graduate of Arkansas State University and earned his doctorate degree in medical services from the University of Arkansas.
If elected to the state Legislature, Cole pledged to work toward implementing pro-business policies.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Cole. “As an avid outdoor person, this association protects one of the state’s largest natural industries and is a great example of how Alabama is capable of resource conservation and business mindedness. As member of the State House of Representatives, I will work to promote a positive business climate statewide for the nation to see. I look forward to working with the Alabama Forestry Association.”
Leigh Hulsey, House District 15
House District 15 covers parts of Jefferson and Shelby counties. Hulsey serves as a member of the Helena City Council and is the owner of CrossFit Alabaster and Henley Developments, LLC.
Her community service includes president of the Alabaster Business Alliance, vice president of campaigns for the Republican Women of North Shelby County and executive committee member of the Shelby County GOP.
Combating “government overreach” and burdensome regulation, Hulsey said, would be atop her list of priorities in the Legislature.
“As a Christian conservative, I look forward to working with the great men and women of the Alabama Forestry Association as the next conservative Republican state representative from District 15,” said Hulsey. “I’m honored to receive the support and endorsement of Forest PAC. Together, we will help create quality jobs while stopping government overreach and eliminating red tape.”
James Lomax, House District 20
House District 20 covers part of Madison County. Lomax, a resident of south Huntsville, is the director of asset management and leasing for a real estate investment trust in Huntsville.
He graduated with his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and earned his master’s degree from the College of Leadership and Public Service at Lipscomb University.
According to Lomax, shielding industry from government red tape is vital to maintaining Alabama’s business-friendly economic climate.
“It is an honor to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Lomax. “The timber industry is vital to Alabama’s economy. In the Alabama state Legislature, I will work to protect industries from government overreach and burdensome regulations. Keeping our economy moving and creating a business friendly environment is one of my top priorities. I am looking forward to serving the people of our state and working with the Alabama Forestry Association.”
Mike Kirkland, House District 23
House District 23 covers most of Jackson County. Kirkland, a Scottsboro native, has been an employee with Vulcan Materials for 34 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Athens State University and his master’s degree from the University of North Alabama.
Kirkland, in expressing gratitude to AFA over its endorsement of his campaign effort, said he would work toward bolstering the state’s economy as a member of the legislature.
“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Kirkland. “As a state representative, I will keep our economy moving forward and will work for the people of my district and state. The forestry and timber industry is one of the major economic components that keeps jobs in Alabama and our economy moving in the right direction.”
Phillip Rigsby, House District 25
House District 25 covers parts of Madison and Limestone counties. Rigsby, a lifelong resident of Huntsville, graduated from Auburn University with a doctor of pharmacy in 2000.
He returned to Huntsville and began working at Kroger Pharmacy. He later worked at Huntsville Compounding Pharmacy and The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, which he now owns.
Rigsby said the timber industry plays a critical role in supporting the Yellowhammer State’s economy.
“It is an honor to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Rigsby. “The timber and logging industry play a key role in our economy. As a small business owner, I know how important it is to create a business-friendly environment. When elected, I will protect our Second Amendment rights and fight government mandates on industries and businesses.”
Mark Gidley, House District 29
House District 29 covers parts of Etowah and Calhoun counties. Gidley is a lifelong resident of Etowah County and resides in Hokes Bluff. He holds a master’s degree from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary and serves as pastor of Faith Worship Center in Glencoe. Gidley previously worked in the insurance industry for 21 years in sales and management.
Defending the state’s natural resources, said Gidley, is of the utmost importance.
“I am honored to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Gidley. “Our forests in Alabama are one of our greatest natural resources; a source of renewable energy and is vital to building our homes, providing essentials, and workforce development. Protecting our natural resources is imperative to preserving our future, and I am looking forward with anticipation to working with the AFA to help support their efforts in each of these, as well as many other, areas.”
Evan Jackson, House District 32
House District 32 covers parts of Talladega and Calhoun counties. Jackson is from White Plains in Calhoun County. He graduated from Jacksonville State University with a degree in finance and political science.
Jackson has worked for the Leavitt Group in Anniston for 10 years and is a risk management consultant.
Gidley heaped praise upon AFA for its advocacy of “limited government,” something the candidate vowed to promote as state representative.
“I’m proud to have the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Jackson. “I’m running a positive campaign focused on being an effective representative for all parts of District 32. We need good, honest government that serves the people. I know the Forestry Association has long championed good government and advocated for the principle of limited government. I’m proud to have them supporting my campaign.”
Chad Robertson, House District 40
House District 40 covers Cleburne County and part of Calhoun County. Robertson is a Navy veteran and the executive director of the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce. Robertson and his wife, Laura, own Heflin Fitness and Lineville Fitness.
Regarding AFA’s endorsement of his candidacy, Robertson said, “I am honored to receive this endorsement. The impact that the men and women of the forestry industry make on our economy and our state as a whole cannot be overestimated.”
Fred Kelley, House District 68
House District 68 covers parts of Monroe, Clarke, Conecuh, Marengo, Wilcox and Perry counties. Kelley has worked as the director of marketing for South Alabama Gas for 30 years.
He is a commercial pilot for Pilots for Christ and serves on the board of the Monroeville/Monroe County Economic Development Authority. He and his wife Teresa are foster parents with Monroe County DHR. Kelley founded “Pedaling for a Cure,” a bicycle ride to the battleship U.S.S. Alabama that raised more than a million dollars for the American Cancer Society.
Kelley pledged his “full support” of AFA’s mission to promote and protect Alabama’s robust timber industry.
“It is with great respect and honor that I accept the Alabama Forestry Association’s endorsement for Alabama House District 68,” said Kelley. “As a young boy, I walked down the dusty dirt road in front of our home in Clarke County. Along the way I passed several ‘Tree Farm’ signs. My father, a World War II Army veteran told me, ‘If you take care of these pine trees, they will take care of you.’ Well Dad, it’s my turn to do just that. I pledge my full support to the AFA and will advocate for their efforts to promote the timber and logging industry in Alabama”.
The candidates will appear on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
