By Brandon Moseley
Wednesday, the Alabama Farmers Federation announced that it has endorsed Republican State Rep. Van Smith for Alabama House District 42, which covers portions of Autauga and Chilton counties.
“Rep. Smith is an excellent example of what a public servant is,” said Bill Lipscomb, the First Vice President of the Autauga County Farmers Federation. “He is one of us and he knows the needs of the agricultural community. We know he will continue to do a good job for all the people of this district in Montgomery and at home.”
“Rep. Smith is a good example of what public service is,” said Lynn Harrison, President of the Chilton County Farmers Federation. “He works hard to ensure the needs of our district are met.”
“It is always a great honor to receive the endorsement of hard-working people like our farmers,” said Smith. “I share their beliefs, work ethic, principles and ideals, and I enjoy representing them and all the people of District 42 in Montgomery.”
Smith received his bachelor’s degree in agriscience from Auburn University and his master’s degree in agriscience from Alabama A&M University. He received his teaching certificate in administrative education from the University of Montevallo.
Smith is a retired educator. He worked 13 years as a vocational education teacher, eight years as assistance principal and 16 years as principal of Billingsley School. Since retirement, he became a full-time farmer raising cattle, hay and timber.
Smith and his wife, Fran, have four adult children and 11 grandchildren. They attend Indian Grave Baptist Church.
The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with more than 340,000 members. It uses a true grassroots approach to select candidates, relying on FarmPAC endorsements from county Federation boards for local elections.
The Republican primary will be May 24, 2022.
