Skip to Content

Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger named State Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) the new co-chair of the Legislature’s Joint Sunset Committee, a panel that decides whether dozens of state boards and commissions should be continued, consolidated, or shut down.

The appointment came as the committee begins requiring people who testify to do so under oath — a change leaders say is meant to curb bad information and tighten accountability.

They did so for the first time during Thursday’s hearing.

Gudger praised Kelley as a lawmaker who will “root out waste, fraud and abuse” and “demand a strong dose of accountability” from occupational and industry licensing boards.

RELATED: Alabama House Speaker, Senate Pro Tem, Governor activate DOGE on state level with new guidance on oversight, gutting waste

“After running fast and loose for far too long, the state’s occupational boards, agencies, and commissions have been placed under an intense microscope by the Joint Sunset Committee over  the past few years, and serious issues have been discovered in many of them,” Gudger (R-Cullman) said.

“Sen. Keith Kelley is fully committed to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse where it exists, demanding a strong dose of accountability, and keeping the heat on those who think they can game the system.”

On the day Kelley assumed his position as co-chair, the committee began requiring individuals appearing before it to take a sworn oath similar to those given to witnesses in court proceedings.

The action was taken after some individuals testifying before the committee were discovered to have provided false, misleading, and incorrect information regarding the finances, procedures, and problems within their agencies.

RELATED: Pro Tem Gudger pushes for more government efficiency in Alabama using Trump’s DOGE model and sunset process

Within state law, the Sunset Committee holds public hearings, reviews audits from the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, and then sends “sunset bills” to the full Legislature, recommending whether agencies should continue, be restructured or terminated.

Debate on those bills is time-limited to force action.

State Sen. Keith Kelley, a realtor and longtime small-business owner from Calhoun County elected in 2022, already sits on several powerful Senate panels, including Finance and Taxation General Fund, Rules, State Governmental Affairs, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Children and Youth Health, Veterans and Military Affairs, and County and Municipal Government.

He is also pushing governance changes for boards under Sunset.

In 2025, Kelley authored SB39, a bill that would require members of Sunset-subject boards to complete a five-hour governance course designed by the Examiners of Public Accounts in consultation with the Attorney General, covering open meetings, contract review, recurring audit problems and best practices. Earlier this year, the bill passed the Senate, but not the House.

With renewed focus around the sunset process, Kelley might bring similar and additional legislation when the 2026 session begins on January 13.

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

The 2026 election season is upon us — and so is campaign fundraising.

According to filings with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA) database, no Democrats in the Alabama Senate have yet filed their June 2025 monthly reports for the 2026 cycle.

These reports, due on June 3, are the first monthly disclosures of the new election year and offer a real-time look at each candidate’s financial standing heading into the campaign season.

All members of the Alabama Senate filed year-end reports due in January 2025 to account for all raising and spending throughout 2024. This week, we got a glimpse into where their war chests stand with one year remaining in the current quadrennium.

“2024” accounts for the cash-on-hand totals reported in the 2024 annual reports filed while “Cash on Hand” designates where candidates reported standing in their June 2025 monthly report.

Republicans

Greg Albritton (District 22)
2024: $233,361.41 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Gerald Allen (District 21)
2024: $164,274.22 | Cash on Hand: $163,290.73

Will Barfoot (District 25)
2024: $297,130.09 | Cash on Hand: $305,725.88

Lance Bell (District 11)
2024: $234,917.06 | Cash on Hand: $253,457.39

Tom Butler (District 2)
2024: $37,000.99 | Cash on Hand: $33,275.99

Josh Carnley (District 31)
2024: $177,645.80 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Clyde Chambliss (District 30)
2024: $170,253.62 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Donnie Chesteen (District 29)
2024: $294,893.34 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Chris Elliott (District 32)
2024: $240,213.61 | Cash on Hand: $270,567.56

Sam Givhan (District 7)
2024: $475,090.47 | Cash on Hand: $481,315.20

Garlan Gudger (District 4)
2024: $246,423.75 | Cash on Hand: $203,784.98

Jay Hovey (District 27)
2024: $324,310.81 | Cash on Hand: $319,432.03

Andrew Jones (District 10)
2024: $223,406.33 | Cash on Hand: $284,449.12

Keith Kelley (District 12)
2024: $269,020.69 | Cash on Hand: $273,434.89

Steve Livingston (District 8)
2024: $268,797.01 | Cash on Hand: $258,963.01

Tim Melson (District 1)
2024: $344,231.27 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Arthur Orr (District 3)
2024: $1,127,774.79 | Cash on Hand: $1,135,481.76

Randy Price (District 13)
2024: $217,427.94 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Matt Woods (GOP nominee — District 5)
2024: $329,031.14 | Cash on Hand: $330,616.79

Dan Roberts (District 15)
2024: $447,181.66 | Cash on Hand: $449,326.87

David Sessions (District 35)
2024: $327,732.30 | Cash on Hand: $325,422.30

Shay Shelnutt (District 17)
2024: $307,859.02 | Cash on Hand: $314,198.57

Larry Stutts (District 6)
2024: $51,167.80 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner (District 16)
2024: $455,142.31 | Cash on Hand: $448,818.76

April Weaver (District 14)
2024: $240,376.35 | Cash on Hand: $250,286.81

Wes Kitchens (District 9)
2024: $49,872.97 | Cash on Hand: $82,427.15

Democrats

Billy Beasley (District 28)
2024: $111,240.53 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Merika Coleman (District 19)
2024: $61,667.67 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Linda Coleman-Madison (District 20)
2024: $280,845.70 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Vivian Davis Figures (District 33)
2024: $2,197.55 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Kirk Hatcher (District 26)
2024: $86,850.88 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Bobby Singleton (District 24)
2024: $312,978.54 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Rodger Smitherman (District 18)
2024: $144,244.84 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

Robert Stewart (District 23)
2024: $14.15 | Cash on Hand: Not yet filed

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

The Alabama House and Senate have passed the Houston/Hunter Act, a bill allowing firearm owners to voluntarily and temporarily surrender their weapons to law enforcement during mental health crises. The legislation is aimed at reducing firearm-related suicides, particularly among veterans. 

The bill permits firearm owners to enter into a voluntary agreement with a federal firearms licensee or a municipal or county law enforcement officer, who would take possession of the firearm for a mutually agreed-upon period. The act also grants civil immunity to federal firearms licensees and law enforcement officers, protecting them from liability when returning firearms at the end of the agreed period.

Supporters of the legislation say it creates a safe and confidential option for individuals experiencing mental health challenges while ensuring that gun owners retain their Second Amendment rights. The process is voluntary, and there are no legal repercussions for seeking temporary firearm storage.

“Far too many Alabamians – both from our veteran population and civilian populations alike – suffer from mental illness and tragically too often do self-inflicted damage during times of mental health crisis,” said Rep. Russell Bedsole (R-Alabaster), who sponsored the legislation in the House.

“This will allow individuals to, on a voluntary basis, hand over their personal firearms to law enforcement for safekeeping in the event they fear they could use it to harm themselves – or for any other reason. This is a common-sense bill that can save lives, and I’m proud it made its way through the Alabama House this week.”

The legislation passed unanimously in the Senate and with a 98-2 vote in the House. State Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) sponsored the bill in the Senate, where it passed unanimously.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at grace@yellowhammernews.com.

After a productive first week back in session, several members of the Alabama Senate will step into new and elevated committee roles beginning next week.

State Sen. Lance Bell will fill the chairmanship on the Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee, left by State Sen. Garlan Gudger upon his confirmation as President Pro Tem.

RELATED: Garlan Gudger elected as Alabama Senate Pro Tem, expresses gratitude and shares vision

A first-term senator representing Shelby, St. Clair, and Talladega counties, Bell is an attorney with extensive experience in civil law and currently serves on nine other committees.

“The name of this committee contains two phrases—‘fiscal responsibility’ and ‘economic development’—that are essential to the continuing economic health and growth of Alabama,” Bell (R-Pell City) said.

“The bills and measures that come before us will be thoroughly vetted and carefully considered as we work to create even brighter days ahead for all Alabamians.”

In addition to Bell’s appointment, the Committee on Assignments assigned the following senators to Senate committees:

“The Alabama Senate is made up of some of the most capable leaders, each bringing valuable experience and talent to the table,” Pro Tem Gudger (R-Cullman) said.

“These Senators are stepping up to move legislation that upholds Alabama values, protects our families, and makes our communities safer.”

The newly appointed members will serve for the remainder of the 2023-2026 quadrennium.

Tuesday will be the fourth day of the 2025 state legislative session.

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

On Thursday, Governor Kay Ivey held a bill signing ceremony, marking the successful enactment of Alabama’s 2024 Military Bills Package. The package, recommended by Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth’s Military Stability Commission, positions Alabama’s defense communities for further growth, and provides tangible quality of life improvements for Alabama military members, veterans, and their families.

Since being established in 2011, the Alabama Military Stability Commission and its action arm—the Military Stability Foundation—have executed against their charter to support, protect, and expand Department of Defense roles and missions assigned in the state. Partnering with the state legislature, the governor’s office, state agencies, and defense communities to pass pro-military and pro-veteran policies has been a keystone of the Commission and Foundation’s work.

While the work of the legislature is most visible during the Spring regular session, the package is the culmination of work spanning back to early 2023. Throughout the year, the Commission and Foundation teamed with defense communities and legislators to visit Alabama’s military installations to identify the most pressing challenges and opportunities requiring state support. These fact-finding missions give policymakers a first-hand view of the incredible work of military missions throughout the state as well as providing direct engagement with military members and veterans on the issues that matter most to them.

In tandem, the Foundation works closely with the Pentagon to identify and prioritize policy issues relevant to the state and its specific military and veteran needs. And, most importantly, the legislative package addresses the direct feedback and needs of the state’s military leadership, the Department of Veteran Affairs, veteran service organizations, the private sector, and local defense communities and chambers of commerce to ensure that the legislation meets their needs and complements local initiatives.

Pivotal throughout the process are the chairmen and members of the Alabama House and Senate committees overseeing military and veterans’ issues. Representative Ed Oliver and Senator Andrew Jones lead those committees and worked closely with the legislative leadership, the Lt. Governor’s office, and individual bill sponsors to blaze a trail through the crowded and complex road to successful legislation. Representative Kenneth Paschal, vice chair of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, also provided critical support and leadership to see the package over the finish line. 

The legislative package is unique in the State House, as it is both bi-cameral and bi-partisan with 20 bill sponsors from both political parties and dozens of co-sponsors working in tandem. Each bill is introduced in both the House and Senate to maximize awareness and support as the package progresses through dozens of working meetings, hearings, legal reviews, and floor votes during the three-month legislative session.

This year, the state legislature passed 10 pro-military bills addressing several policy areas to further solidify Alabama’s status as one of the most military and veteran friendly states in the country. This years’ package included:

Tax Relief for Deployed and Mobilized Servicemembers

Veterans’ Mental Healthcare Improvement

Military Dependent Education and Legal Needs

Military Spouse Occupational Licensure

Statute and Program Modernization

While these laws provide greater authority, resources, and relief to Alabama’s military communities, the effort to ensure Alabama remains the most military and veteran friendly state in the country will always remain unfinished. The strong collaboration of stakeholders must continue as the needs of those who serve our country constantly evolve. No one group or community can single-handedly address all challenges or achieve all goals, so we are blessed in Alabama to have a formidable team, devoted and capable of achieving common goals for America’s best. 

Throughout the halls of Congress and the State House and Capitol, in every military community from Redstone to Novosel, from the most senior officer down to the newest enlisted servicemember, within every military family, and through the patriotic citizens of Alabama, our state has the team in place to continue this vital work. 

Alabama remains committed to serving those who serve us, finding every way to attempt to repay the unpayable debt we owe those who sacrifice so much for our freedom.

To contact or learn more about the Military Stability Commission and Foundation, as well as view a full list of commissioners and Foundation board members, please visit almsf.org.

Jake Proctor is the Executive Director of the Alabama Military Stability Foundation. Jake previously served as a military and veterans policy staffer in the Alabama congressional delegation as well as an intelligence officer in the Pentagon.

The Blount County and Macon County Sheriff’s Departments have been awarded the Larry Amerson School Safety Scholarship, Global K9 Protection Group announced. The scholarship is named for late Calhoun County Sheriff Larry Amerson, who died in 2020 after a battle with cancer.

The Paws on Patrol School Safety Program was created to boost public and school safety initiatives. It comes with elite canines as well as training and certifications for two School Resource Officers.

State Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston) addressed the group to express his thanks for Paws on Patrol helping school systems in Alabama become safer. 

“A lot of times you don’t get to see the impact of having a deterrent, such as a firearms detection dog,” he said. “We hope these dogs can stop a possible attack before it happens.”

Lisa Amerson, widow of the long-time sheriff and member of the Calhoun County School Board said, “I think it’s an honor to have Larry’s name associated with this scholarship. He created the SRO program for the Calhoun County School District.”

At the awards luncheon in Anniston, Michael Larkin, vice president of Commercial Services for GK9PG, discussed the initiative. 

“GK9PG’s Paws on Patrol School Safety Program is the first in the country to bring together both public and private sector agencies to address gun violence in our schools,” Larkin said.

“Our mission is all about training world-class detection dogs that offer a level of safety and security for every community, which we accomplish by advancing the art and science of detection dog capabilities with our specialized, elite dog training methodology.”

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

I am proud to represent Senate District 12 in the Alabama State Senate, an area in Northeast Alabama rich in patriotism and love of country.

Calhoun County is the home of Anniston Army Depot, and the Center for Domestic Preparedness, as well as the destination of choice of many past military retirees from Fort McClellan.

(U.S. Air Force/Facebook)

So, I was encouraged to hear the President speak about “modernizing our military to safeguard stability and deter aggression” in his State of the Union address.

As we have seen across the world these last two years and in recent weeks with China flying a spy balloon over our country, now is not the time to reduce the size of our Air Force, which is already smaller and older than it has ever been.

As the Mitchell Institute described in a report about defense readiness last year, “the Air Force lacks the force capacity, lethality, and survivability” to fight a peer conflict and defend our homeland.  The Air Force has less than half its fighter force and only one-third of the bombers it had in 1990.

In the wake of Chinese aggression, America needs to be aggressive, and the F-35 provides a foundation for American aerospace dominance that cannot be denied.

The F-35 strengthens national security and enhances global partnerships with fourteen allied nations flying the F-35, along with Finland and Switzerland announcing the F-35 as the winner of their fighter competition last year.

In addition, Germany announced intentions to purchase F-35s in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Not to mention, our friends to the north announced that they will replace the Canadian fleet of CF-18s with the F-35 at an estimated cost of $19 billion.

The F-35 is not only important to the Department of Defense and global security, but it is also a program that is crucial for Alabama with twenty-one suppliers in the state, almost 400 jobs, and a $30.6 million annual economic impact.

The United States must continue to invest in F-35 modernization, production, and sustainment including funding for full rate production and initial spare parts.

I am thankful that Congressman Mike Rogers is leading the charge as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee to protect our men and women in uniform by ensuring they have the materials, supplies, and equipment they need to keep our country safe and secure.

Keith Kelley represents Senate District 12 in the Alabama State Senate

Editors note: This article was updated by the author February 16, 2023

Wednesday, the Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) announced endorsements for candidates in three races which will conclude in the June 21 runoff election.

Alabama Public Service Commissioner Chip Beeker

First elected in 2014, Beeker is seeking reelection to the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) Place 2.

The longtime AFA member is a former Greene County Commission chairman and previously served as a member of the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) state executive committee. Prior to his election to the PSC, Beeker owned and operated Beeker Catfish and Cattle Farms in Eutaw.

The conservative PSC commissioner’s reelection bid has been placed in the crosshairs of a prominent environmentalist and supporter of the national left’s climate agenda.

In a statement, Beeker pledged to continue his efforts to keep Alabama free from the national left’s energy policies in a third term of service on the state’s chief utility regulatory board.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association, an industry that is so highly thought of in our state and contributes a great deal to our economy,” said Beeker. “It is my privilege to receive the forestry association’s trust as I continue my reelection effort. I will continue to work hard and fight for Alabama and keep DC policies out of our state.”

Keith Kelley, Senate District 12

Kelley is seeking election to Senate District 12, which encompasses Calhoun and Talladega Counties. The seat is currently held by retiring State Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston).

For nearly three decades, Kelley has served as president of Harris-McKay Realty. Kelley is a past president of the Alabama Association of Realtors and sat on the board of the National Association of Realtors.

Kelley expressed gratitude to AFA for its endorsement of his candidacy and noted that the timber industry was the “backbone” of Alabama’s economy.

“The Alabama Forestry Association represents the backbone of our state’s economy and I am honored to receive their endorsement,” said Kelley. “I will fight for Alabama’s land owners in the Alabama State Senate and will ensure the voices of these hard working families are represented. Alabama landowners want what most citizen’s want, lower taxes, less regulation, and someone that will fight for our conservative values.”

Robert Stewart, Senate District 23

Stewart, a Selma native, is running for Senate District 23, which covers Perry, Dallas, Lowndes, Wilcox, Clarke, Monroe, Butler and Conecuh Counties.

He is currently employed at Public Citizen and previously worked as the Black Belt Region outreach coordinator for U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham). Stewart holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Tuskegee University and a master’s of accounting degree from Kennesaw State University.

Should his candidacy for Senate District 23 prove successful, Stewart asserted that he would promote legislation that serves to benefit the state’s agricultural industry.

“We express our gratitude to the Alabama Forestry Association for their support,” conveyed Stewart. “The agriculture industry is a leading source of economic development in our state and when elected, we will ensure that the industry remains strong.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

The contest to determine who will replace outgoing State Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston), who formerly served as the upper chamber’s president pro tem, has garnered attention from some of the heaviest hitters in Alabama Republican politics.

The Senate District 12 GOP primary runoff features Anniston businessman Keith Kelley and attorney Wendy Ghee Draper.

Draper and Kelley secured spots in the runoff after receiving 39.31% and 35.42% of the vote in the May 24 primary election, respectively. Weaver Mayor Wayne Willis came in third place with 25.27%.

Early in the race, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), the lead Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, came out in support of Kelley. In the latter stages of the primary, Kelley’s bid was supported by a fundraiser held by former Gov. Bob Riley.

Additionally, Kelley recently received the endorsement of State Rep. K.L. Brown (R-Jacksonville).

While it is rare for a sitting congressman and former governor to intervene in an open State Senate primary, perhaps it is not entirely unexpected given the race’s dynamic.

Draper is married to Anniston Mayor Jack Draper, who in 2008 donated to Democrat Joshua Segall, who was challenging Rogers’ reelection bid for Alabama’s third congressional district.

In one of Rogers’ closest elections of his political career, the congressman would go on to defeat his Democratic opponent by just over 8% of the vote.

Draper’s bid to appear on the Republican primary ballot as a candidate for Senate District 12 was challenged shortly after the qualifying period ended. Among the issues cited in her ballot challenge was her history of financially supporting the campaigns of Democrats.

According to the National Institute for Money in Politics, Draper donated a combined $2,800 to the candidacies of four Democrats and one independent from 2002-2006.

Draper in 2002 donated to state treasurer hopeful Stephen Black, former State Rep. Craig Ford (I-Gadsden), then-lieutenant governor hopeful Lucy Baxley and the unsuccessful reelection campaign of former Gov. Don Siegelman. In 2006, she contributed to then-lieutenant governor candidate Jim Folsom, Jr.

According to the most recent Alabama Secretary of State campaign finance filings, more than $236,000 has been expended in the hotly contested race between the two candidates. Records show that Draper has spent $170,004 compared to Kelley’s $66,442.

Draper holds the fundraising edge over Kelley as she has garnered $116,160 in contributions to Kelley’s overall total of $37,063. However, as of the filing period ending May 31, Kelley currently holds $47,464 cash-on-hand while Draper’s ending cash balance sits at $6,401.

The candidate who notches the Republican Party bid in the June 21 runoff election will face no Democratic opposition in the November 8 general election.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Alabama State Senate candidate Keith Kelley has landed the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) in his bid to serve District 12.

In announcing his endorsement of the Anniston businessman’s campaign, Rogers said he believes Kelley is “the true conservative in this race.”

“Calhoun County needs a strong conservative in the Alabama State Senate which is why I am giving Keith Kelley my complete support,” said Rogers. “Keith is an outsider who knows how to get things done. He is the true conservative in this race that will deliver results for Senate District 12.”

Kelley expressed his appreciation to Rogers for the endorsement.

“I am incredibly grateful to have Congressman Rogers endorsement in this race,” said Kelley. “He’s the bold, fearless, no-nonsense leader Alabama needs in Congress. I will go to Montgomery and fight for the hardworking people of East Alabama just as he does in Washington.”

Kelley has served as president of Harris-McKay Realty for more than 26 years and launched his first business at age 19. He formerly served as president of the Alabama Association of Realtors and was a board member of the National Association of Realtors. He has also served in various leadership capacities for numerous civic and charitable organizations.

He concluded, “As a job creator, I will support pro-business policies that increase opportunity, providing the leadership that Northeast Alabama needs to ensure that our area grows and thrives.”

Senate District 12 encompasses Calhoun County and portions of Talladega County. Kelley announced his candidacy in March with current officeholder Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston) opting not to seek reelection.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

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. (more…)