The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) on Monday announced its endorsement of three Republican nominees seeking election to the legislature’s upper chamber.
Lance Bell (R) — Senate District 11
Bell, whose district covers St. Clair, Talladega and Shelby Counties, practices law with a focus on plaintiff and civil defense matters. He has served as chairman of the St. Clair Republican Party executive committee for six years. Presently, the GOP nominee is chairman of the Alabama Republican Party’s third congressional district executive committee.
In a statement touting AFA’s endorsement of his candidacy, Bell expressed his intentions of working alongside the association in his capacities as state senator.
“I am humbled to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association, they are a great group of hard working individuals and I look forward to working with them in the future,” said Bell.
Jay Hovey (R) — Senate District 27
Hovey, who emerged victorious in the Auburn area district’s heavily contested Senate race, began his career as a firefighter. He is a mortgage loan originator for AuburnBank and has served as a member of the Auburn City Council for four years. The Republican Senate hopeful sits on the lieutenant governor’s Small Business Advisory Committee.
The candidate conveyed his appreciation to AFA over its support of his bid for the Alabama Senate.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Hovey. “I very much appreciate their active conservative voice across our state. Timber and forest products are very important to District 27. AFA’s support for landowner’s rights and small business interests are paramount to continued success.”
Pete Riehm (R) — Senate District 33
Riehm, who served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, is seeking election to to serve portions of Mobile and Baldwin Counties in the upper chamber. During his military service, Riehm was deployed overseas to serve the United States in the Cold War and Desert Storm. He is an active member of the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission.
The candidate serves as a commercial real estate broker with CRE Mobile and is the current land commissioner for the Mobile County Probate Court.
Riehm heaped praise upon AFA for its advocacy of the state’s robust timber industry.
“Timberland is one of Alabama’s most precious resources and forestry products are integral to Alabama’s economy, so it is vitally important that we advance our forestry industries and protect their interests for posterity,” advised Riehm. “The AFA is a tremendous advocate for our forestry community and I appreciate their relentless efforts, so I am humbled and honored to earn their very important endorsement to serve as Senator for District 33.”
The candidates will appear on the ballot for the November 8 general election.
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
