The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) recently announced its latest round of endorsements for candidates seeking reelection to the Alabama House of Representatives.
State Rep. Proncey Robertson (R-Mt. Hope)
Robertson is seeking his second term representing House District 7, which includes Winston, Lawrence, Franklin and Morgan Counties. He is a retired law enforcement officer and U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the Persian Gulf War.
The lawmaker has served as chairman of the Lawrence County Republican Party executive committee for four years.
In a statement, Robertson extended his appreciation to AFA over its endorsement of his reelection bid.
“As a pro business and free enterprise candidate, I’m very proud to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Robertson. “I appreciate the AFA’s continuing support and knowledge they provide about forestry related issues and the Alabama business community as a whole.”
State Rep. Tracy Estes (R-Winfield)
Estes has represented District 17 since 2018, which includes Winston, Marion and Lamar Counties. He obtained a degree in news editorial journalism in 1989 from the University of Alabama.
Estes previously worked for the Tuscaloosa News and the Montgomery Advertiser Sports Department. He became the editor of Marion County’s Journal Record Newspaper in 1991.
Estes conveyed gratitude for the endorsement and spoke to the role his district plays in the timber industry.
“I am certainly honored to receive an endorsement from the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Estes. “Representing a portion of Alabama so richly blessed with lush and beautiful timberland only makes this endorsement mean more. I have several forestry farmers in my district and I see their pride in their work and in their land, a heritage which has sometimes been handed down for generations. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with the association to protect the interest of those who work in this industry.”
State Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville)
Reynolds in 2018 emerged victorious in a special election for House District 21, which covers a portion of Madison County. He serves as chair of the House Local Legislation Committee and as the vice chair of House Military and Veteran Affairs Committee.
The lawmaker holds a bachelor’s degree from Athens State University and a master’s degree in public safety administration from Auburn University at Montgomery.
Reynolds served as the director of public safety for the Huntsville Department of Public Safety and later served as the city administrator for the City of Huntsville. In 2013, he became the owner of Reynolds Consulting Services, LLC and then served as president and COO of Sharp Communications in Huntsville.
Reynolds expressed appreciation for the endorsement and praised AFA’s contributions to the state.
“I’m so appreciative of the Forestry endorsement,” said Reynolds. “I have always appreciated their support of our volunteer firefighters, protecting our natural resources, and their commitment to a better Alabama”.
State Rep. Ritchie Whorton (R-Owens Cross Roads)
Whorton is seeking his third term serving House District 22, representing a portion of Madison County. The Jacksonville State University graduate is the current vice chair of the House Local Legislation Committee. Whorton has owned All Star Pools, Inc. in Madison County for two decades.
In a statement, Whorton advised that landowners were the “backbone” of the United States.
“I got elected to advocate for limited government,” stated Whorton. “Forestry was with me then and with me now. I am honored to have the Association’s continued support. Landowners are the backbone of this country.”
State Rep. Dexter Grimsley (D-Abbeville)
Grimsley is running for reelection to House District 85, which includes Houston and Henry Counties. First elected in 2010, Grimsley is a member of the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee.
Grimsley, a graduate of Northwestern State University of Louisiana, has served as the chief juvenile probation officer for Henry County since 1995.
Regarding AFA’s endorsement of his reelection bid, Grimsley stated, “My goal in public service is to provide leadership with integrity. I appreciate what AFA brings to the process.”
AFA announced its first, second and third rounds of endorsements in February, followed by its fourth, fifth and sixth in March.
The primary election is scheduled to take place on May 24, 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
