Thursday, the Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) announced its endorsement of five incumbents seeking reelection to the Alabama House of Representatives.
State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn)
Lovvorn is seeking reelection to House District 79, which covers part of Lee County. He serves as chairman of the House Technology and Research Committee and vice chair of the House Ways and Means Education Committee.
The lawmaker recently retired as chief of the City of Auburn Fire Department. Lovvorn is a realtor and small business owner.
Lovvorn extended his gratitude to the association for its endorsement of his reelection bid.
“As the grandson of a saw miller and the son of a timber farmer, I was raised to appreciate the positive impact of the forestry industry in Alabama,” stated Lovvorn. “I value and appreciate the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association, and look forward to serving Alabama another four years.”
State Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs)
Mooney, chairman of the Shelby County Legislation Committee, is seeking reelection to House District 43. Mooney holds over four decades’ worth of experience in the commercial real estate business.
Mooney outlined his appreciation of AFA due to the association’s conservative political advocacy.
“I am very pleased to receive the endorsement of such an outstanding organization as the AFA,” proclaimed Mooney. “The forestry industry is a multi-billion dollar contributor to the economy of our state and Shelby County where my house district is located. AFA and its members support conservative values and principles and are pro-business and free enterprise. They stand, as well, for fiscal responsibility, private property rights, and limited government. I am proud to stand with them!”
State Rep. Tommy Hanes (R-Bryant)
Hanes is running for a third term to represent House District 23, which encompasses Jackson County. He is a member of the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee.
The retired professional firefighter has been widely recognized for his conservative voting record in the lower chamber. The American Conservative Union rated Hanes’ 2020 voting record as the second-most conservative in the Alabama Legislature.
Hanes hailed AFA’s endorsement of his reelection campaign and applauded its advocacy of conservative causes.
“I’m once again honored to receive the endorsement for my re-election from what is considered to be the most conservative group in the state,” stated Hanes. “It’s great to be in such great company as the Alabama Forestry Association!”
State Rep. Margie Wilcox (R-Mobile)
Wilcox is seeking reelection to House District 104. She was first elected to represent the Mobile County district in 2014. Wilcox is chair of the House Joint Transportation Committee. The lawmaker is the owner of Mobile Bay Transportation and Pensacola Bay Transportation.
The Mobile County legislator commended AFA for its promotion of policies that she asserted had served to enhance Alabamians’ quality of life.
“I am honored to be supported by Alabama Forestry representing thousands of hard working Alabamians,” declared Wilcox. “Their conservative principles are near and dear to my own beliefs and I look forward to continuing our efforts to protect Alabama’s conservative values, low taxes and amazing quality of life.”
State Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville)
Kiel, a freshman lawmaker, is running for reelection to House District 18. The district includes parts of Colbert, Lauderdale and Franklin Counties. The legislator is a graduate of the University of Alabama and the owner of Kiel Equipment, which he has operated for nearly three decades in Russellville.
“I am honored to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association. The AFA works hard for fiscally conservative policy in our state,” advised Kiel. “I appreciate their stand for low taxes and responsible spending. I will continue to fight for the hard working forestry related businesses who are a key component of our state’s economy.”
The primary election is slated to occur on May 24, 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
