Anniston businessman Keith Kelley on Wednesday announced his Republican candidacy for the Alabama State Senate.

Kelley will run in 2022 for the District 12 seat to be vacated by longterm officeholder Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston), who has announced he will not seek reelection.

The president of Harris-McKay Realty for more than 26 years, Kelley started his first business at the age of 19. He has previously served as president of the Alabama Association of Realtors and on the National Association of Realtors board of directors, as well as in additional leadership roles in other civic and charitable organizations.

A release stressed that Kelley feels that his business experience and ability to form relationships across the aisle would make him an effective state senator. SD 12 represents Calhoun County and parts of Talladega County.

“I want to make sure that District 12 continues to have a strong voice in Montgomery and is represented with honesty and integrity. I learned the importance of serving others at an early age,” stated Kelley.

“I have a true desire for public service,” he continued. “As a job creator and political outsider, I will provide the leadership that Northeast Alabama needs to ensure that our area grows and thrives.”

His campaign Facebook page can be accessed here.

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