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Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter and 31 members of the House Republican Caucus have endorsed State Rep. Rhett Marques in his bid for Alabama’s open 1st Congressional District in 2026.

This signals another major, early show of in-state support for the Wiregrass lawmaker after U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) also made a powerful day-one endorsement.

“I am honored to have the support of so many of the men and women that I have worked with in the legislature,” Marques (R-Enterprise) said.

“While President Trump was providing tax relief to Americans with the One Big Beautiful Bill, we were working on the state level in the Alabama legislature slashing the state tax on groceries, eliminating the state tax on diapers and baby supplies that are critical for young families, and implementing a substantial tax relief package providing relief for our seniors.”

Speaker Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) praised Marques’s tenure in the Alabama Legislature, saying the Enterprise Republican “has proven himself to be a strong conservative who always puts the needs of our state first.”

“He has helped deliver over $1.5 billion in tax cuts to the people of Alabama, supported our state’s economy through key workforce development initiatives, bolstered public safety by supporting law enforcement and fighting illegal immigration, and much more,” Speaker Ledbetter said.

“His record speaks for itself, and while I certainly hate to lose him in the State Legislature, he is the exact kind of leader Alabama’s First Congressional District needs in Washington, D.C.”

Endorsing State Representatives:

Marques is a lifelong Republican born and raised in Baldwin County. He now represents District 91 and is building a “Wiregrass-to-coast” coalition in the race.

Also in the race is Jerry Carl, who is running for his old seat after redistricting forced him out of the seat in 2024 to U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), and Joshua McKee, a former U.S. Special Forces operator.

The seat will be open in the 2026 cycle with Moore opting instead to run statewide for U.S. Senate.

The Alabama Republican Party primary election is set for May 19, 2026.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

Alabama became the second state in the nation to ban lab-grown meat after Governor Kay Ivey signed a bill this week prohibiting and providing criminal penalties for anyone who sells, manufactures, or distributes lab-grown meat.

The bill, SB23, was sponsored and proposed by Alabama State Sen. Jack Williams (R-Wilmer), who co-chairs the Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, and carried in the House by Rep. Danny Crawford (R-Athens).

“We greatly appreciate Senator Jack Williams and Representative Danny Crawford for working to protect consumers in Alabama,” said Erin Beasley, executive vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. “Cattlemen work hard every day to raise cattle to produce high-quality beef.

“The tireless efforts of Senator Williams and Rep. Crawford this session will ensure Alabamians continue to purchase safe, wholesome, real beef.”

Also referred to as “cultured meat” or “cultivated meat,” lab-grown meat is a meat alternative made from animal stem cells. According to GCF Global, the cells are placed in petri dishes with amino acids and carbohydrates to help the muscle cells multiply and grow.

RELATED: Law prohibiting the sale of lab-grown meat in Alabama moves forward

“These folks are throwing a couple of animal cells in there with some chemicals and calling it meat. Alabamians want to know what they are eating, and we have no idea what is in this stuff or how it will affect us,” said Williams. “Meat comes from livestock raised by hardworking farmers and ranchers, not from a petri dish grown by scientists. We are protecting our farmers and the integrity of American agriculture.

“Take your fake meat elsewhere. We’re not doing that in Alabama.”

Alabama farmers have played a crucial role in feeding and clothing America for generations.

“This law will strengthen our livestock and poultry industry by preventing lab-cultured cells from being sold in Alabama. To our consumers, the quality and safety of our agricultural products are of the upmost importance, and these lab-grown protein cells can’t be assured to be safe,” said Crawford.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on twitter @Grayson270 

Wednesday, the Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) released its second slate of endorsements for incumbents seeking reelection to the Alabama House of Representatives.

State Rep. Danny Crawford (R-Athens)

Crawford, chairman of the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee, is running for reelection to House District 5, which covers a portion of Limestone County. The former Farm Service Agency state director has held his seat since 2016.

The North Alabama lawmaker expressed gratitude to the association for its endorsement of his campaign.

“It is an honor to again to receive the endorsement of the AFA,” stated Crawford. “I have enjoyed working with the AFA over the last few years to make Alabama a better place to live and work. I thank the association and its membership and look forward to serving the people of Alabama. Together we can achieve much.”

House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville)

First elected to the lower chamber in 2014, Ledbetter is seeking reelection to House District 24, which encompasses most of DeKalb County. He was elected to serve as house majority leader in March 2017. Ledbetter serves as vice chairman of the House Internal Affairs Committee. The former Rainsville City mayor is retired from the Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative.

Ledbetter stated his intentions to continue legislative support for Alabama’s forestry industry.

“It’s an honor to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” proclaimed Ledbetter. “As one of the largest industries in Alabama, I’m fully committed to supporting the hard working men and women in the forestry profession.”

State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville)

Garrett is seeking a third term serving his Jefferson County constituents of House District 24. The lawmaker is chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Committee and serves a majority whip. His private sector experience includes serving as an accountant and chief financial officer for numerous businesses.

Garrett heaped praise upon AFA for its legislative advocacy in supporting the state’s forestry community.

“I appreciate the support of the AFA and am grateful for the work they do all across Alabama,” stated Garrett. “The AFA is an important voice for so many people and I am a proud supporter and advocate for what they do for our state.”

State Rep. Charlotte Meadows (R-Montgomery)

Meadows is running for reelection to House District 74, which contains a portion of Montgomery County. She formerly served as president of the Montgomery Board of Education. Meadows is presently the board chair of Montgomery’s first charter school, the LEAD Academy.

Meadows extended her appreciation to AFA, which she indicated to be one of the most well-respected conservative advocacy associations in Alabama.

“I am deeply honored to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association, well known to be the most conservative group in the state,” advised Meadows. “The timber industry is crucial to Alabama’s economy. Forestry has always supported me in the past, and I am proud to stand with them.”

State Rep. Chris Pringle (R-Mobile)

Pringle is seeking a third term representing his constituents in Mobile County’s metropolitan area in House District 101. First elected to the House in 2014, Pringle serves as chairman of the House State Government Committee. The licensed homebuilder holds private sector experience in the real estate industry as a general contractor.

Pringle advised that his years of experience serving in Alabama’s timber industry had been beneficial in assisting him to gain knowledge of the forestry community’s contributions to the state.

“I understand and greatly appreciate the forestry industry in our state being a timberland owner myself,” proclaimed Pringle. “Working in real estate for 27 years with Southern Timberlands has taught me the economic importance forestry has on Alabama. I am proud to be endorsed by AFA.”

AFA last week announced its first round of endorsements for candidates seeking reelection to the legislature’s lower chamber.

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

On Monday, State Rep. Danny Crawford (R-Athens) announced his intentions to seek reelection for his State House of Representatives District 5 post.

According to a release accompanying the reelection announcement, Crawford is currently serving his first full term after winning a special election in 2016, replacing the late State Rep. Dan Williams (R-Athens).

“It has been one of my highest honors to serve the people of Limestone County these last six years,” Crawford said in the release. “If re-elected, I will continue to work hard to provide conservative-Christian solutions for our county and state.”

“I love our community and I have fought to bring jobs to Limestone County, for individual rights and freedoms, improving education, quality of life, and helping our agricultural entities,” he added. “Limestone County is the second-fastest-growing area of the state, and we are working hard to improve infrastructure to prepare for that continued growth.”

The Limestone County Republican legislator serves as chairman of the Agriculture and Forestry Committee in the House and also serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure and County and Municipal Government committees.

He is a native of Limestone County native, where he served 12 years on the Athens City Council and retired from the USDA Farm Service Agency after 33 years.

@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.

Another bill banning Critical Race Theory in Alabama’s public schools has been prefiled for the 2022 regular session, the third piece of such legislation, with nearly six months until the legislature reconvenes in Montgomery.

The bill, HB 11, filed by State Rep. Danny Crawford (R-Athens), would prohibit public K-12 schools and institutions of higher learning “from teaching certain concepts regarding race or sex, such as critical race theory.”

During an interview with Mobile radio’s FM Talk 106.5, Crawford explained that should teachers choose to ignore and violate such a ban by the Alabama Legislature, it could result in termination according to current law.

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MONTGOMERY – The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday that would give hunters the ability to buy a license to hunt feral hogs and coyotes at night.

Under the proposed legislation, HB 458, citizens would be allowed to purchase a license to hunt swine and coyotes on privately owned or leased lands.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) would establish a nighttime feral swine and coyote hunting season, and would charge a small fee for the purchase of the license to hunt during that season.

Rep. Danny Crawford (R-Athens) sponsored the bill and told Yellowhammer News over the phone he believes his legislation will allow greater freedom to hunt the two animals, which is currently tied up in regulation.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in many changes that require us all to adjust. Phrases like “self-quarantine” and “social distancing,” which were rarely used or completely unheard of several months ago, are now a part of our daily vocabulary. As we adjust to this “new normal,” America’s sportsmen and women, a group that I am proud to represent as a member of the Alabama Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, have found a way to pursue their outdoor passions while much of the world seemingly stood still. By participating in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting, sportsmen and women are setting an example for those looking for safe and responsible recreational opportunities.

While millions of Americans have been forced to limit their travels due to mandatory stay-at-home orders, activities like hunting, fishing, recreational shooting and many other outdoor activities have provided an outlet for Americans to safely recreate as they can be enjoyed while practicing social distancing and adhering to other COVID-19 safety guidelines. As restrictions start to ease, Americans are flocking to the woods, waters, fields and trails to take advantage of our outdoor resources, with many discovering nature’s wonders for the first time. (more…)

State Rep. Arnold Mooney’s (R-Indian Springs) campaign for the U.S. Senate has received an endorsement from 10 of his colleagues in the state legislature with less than two weeks to go before the primary election.

The endorsers include many of the most conservative members in the Alabama statehouse, like State Rep. Mike Holmes from the Montgomery area and State Rep. Tommy Hanes from Northeast Alabama.

The state-level endorsements fall in line with the prominent national conservatives who have endorsed Mooney previously. Conservative Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rand Paul (R-KY), along with conservative television host Mark Levin, and Alabama’s own Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05) are among those who have thrown their support behind Mooney.
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MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus on Wednesday held its third annual luncheon on the State Capitol front lawn, celebrating and advancing one of the Yellowhammer State’s most important economic engines.

The luncheon perfectly captured the essence of what it means to be an Alabama sportsman, bringing that outdoorsman vibe directly to the Capitol so legislators could walk across from the State House during the busy legislative day.

Doing so allowed the state’s outdoor recreation community to come together with pro-sportsmen elected officials to highlight the crucial role hunters and anglers play as the driving force behind conservation. The luncheon also honored the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and all they do for the industry, which garners the state of Alabama a $14.8 billion economic impact from hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation.

This amounts to 135,000 Alabama jobs stemming from hunting and fishing. (more…)