Manufacture Alabama on Wednesday announced its endorsement of former State Rep. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) for Alabama Senate District 14, which includes portions of Bibb, Chilton and Shelby Counties.

Weaver has announced her Republican candidacy for the seat, which became vacant when former State Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) was appointed as director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. The special election dates for the seat were announced last month.

“Manufacture Alabama is endorsing April Weaver for Senate District 14 due to her commitment to our state, her deep understanding of industry and the needs of our manufacturers,” stated George Clark, president of Manufacture Alabama.

“Weaver has a strong track record of crafting smart policy and identifying opportunities that make Alabama an even better place to live and conduct business,” he added. “Her leadership has brought positive resolutions to challenges facing our industry and we’re proud to endorse her for Senate District 14.”

A lifelong resident of District 14, Weaver is a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration. She has worked more than 23 years in hospital management in various roles. Most recently, she served as Regional IV director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Trump administration.

When serving in the House of Representatives, she was the first ever woman to serve as chair of the House Health Committee. Weaver has also been a leader within the Alabama Energy Council and national Energy Council.

Manufacture Alabama, which represents hundreds of companies, is a major trade association in the Yellowhammer State dedicated exclusively to the competitive, legislative, regulatory and operational interests and needs of manufacturers and their partner industries and businesses.

“I am proud to receive the support of a great organization like Manufacture Alabama. Their membership is the backbone of our business industry an invaluable part of the Alabama economy,” said Weaver. “It is important to have a strong partnership with the manufacturing industry.”

Weaver has also been endorsed by the Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Forestry Association and Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth (R-AL).

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn