Wednesday, the Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) unveiled its fifth slate of endorsements for candidates seeking reelection to the Alabama House of Representatives.
State Rep. Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley)
Wadsworth is seeking his third term serving House District 14, which covers portions of Winston, Walker and Jefferson Counties. He presently serves as vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee.
The lawmaker obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Alabama before going on to obtain his law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.
In a statement, Wadsworth spoke to his family’s service in the forestry industry and stated his intentions to continue his support of AFA.
“The forest industry affects every county and jobs are created every day,” stated Wadsworth. “Foresters, landowners, sawmills, truckers, loggers, blade sharpeners, retail stores, home builders, general contractors, subcontractors, etc. are all affected by the forest industry. My son is a forester in Alabama. I will do everything I can to help improve, support and assist the forest industry.”
State Rep. Laura Hall (D-Huntsville)
Hall has served House District 19, representing part of Madison County, since 1993. She is the vice chair of the Madison County Legislative Delegation and ranking minority member of both the House General Fund Finance and Appropriations Committee and House Internal Affairs Committee. Hall has also served in public education for more than four decades.
Hall expressed gratitude for AFA endorsing her reelection bid.
“I appreciate the Alabama Forestry Association’s endorsement and look forward to working together in the best interest for the people of Alabama,” said Hall.
State Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika)
Gray is seeking his second term serving House District 83, representing parts of Lee and Russell Counties. He is the owner of a physical and wellness company and is also the founder of The Curtis House, an East Alabama service-oriented nonprofit. Gray is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in sports management.
Gray advised that AFA serves a “vital” role in strengthening Alabama’s forest industry.
“The Alabama Forestry Association has long been a champion for the forest products industry,” stated Gray. “Whether it is providing professional training to forest landowners, increasing awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of the forest industry, or simply encouraging us all to be good stewards of Alabama’s natural resources, the Alabama Forestry Association is an intricate and vital part of what makes Alabama a great asset. It is an honor to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association and a privilege to have their support. I look forward to this continuous partnership and future collaborations.”
State Rep. Chris Sells (R-Greenville)
Sells represents House District 90, which encompasses portions of Montgomery, Butler, Coffee, Conecuh and Crenshaw Counties. The lawmaker serves as vice chair of the House State Government Committee. He is the owner and founder of Greenville-based Sells Medical Equipment.
In expressing appreciation to AFA over its endorsement of his reelection campaign, Sells stated that the forest industry was a driving force for Alabama’s economy.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the hardworking men and women who work in Alabama’s forest industry,” said Sells. “From the stump to the sawmill, the industry is an incredibly important economic driver for our state.”
State Rep. Chip Brown (R-Hollinger’s Island)
Brown is seeking reelection to House District 105, which covers portions of Mobile County. Brown is a veteran of the Alabama Army National Guard and served on active duty with the U.S. Army and U.S. Central Command at the Forward Command Headquarters during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Brown also served two tours as a military advisor based in Kabul, Afghanistan, for NATO-International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
According to Brown, AFA actively seeks legislative solutions to issues facing the state.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement from the Alabama Forestry Association. The Association is always in the forefront to solve important issues facing Alabama,” proclaimed Brown. “It’s an honor and a privilege working with them to improve the lives of the people of our state and I look forward to the next four years.”
AFA announced its first, second and third rounds of endorsements in February, followed by its fourth earlier this month.
The primary election will take place on May 24, 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
