By Brandon Moseley
The Alabama Farmers Federation has announced its latest round of endorsements for the Alabama legislature in the 2022 election.
Incumbent State Sen. Jack Williams (R. Wilmer) for Alabama Senate District 34, which is in Mobile County.
Incumbent State Rep. Randall Shedd (R. Fairview) for Alabama House District 11, which is in Blount and Cullman counties.
Incumbent State Rep. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab) for Alabama House District 27, which is in Marshall County.
Incumbent State Sen. Randy Price (R-Opelika) for Alabama House District 13, which covers Chambers, Clay, Cleburne, Lee and Randolph counties.
“Sen. Williams is a farmer – one of us, so he knows our needs and the importance of agriculture in our district and state,” said Art Sessions, president of the Mobile County Farmers Federation. “He will continue to work hard to see that agriculture remains a top priority in Montgomery.”
“As a farmer and a legislator, I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Farmers Federation,” said Williams. “We have the same values, work ethic and principles, and it is an honor to work alongside them.”
Williams grew up on his family’s farm and has lived his entire life in District 34. He and his wife, Bobbie, own and operate the J Bar W Farm where they raise cattle, timber and hay. Williams is also actively involved in 4-H.
“Rep. Shedd is aware of the needs of agriculture and our farmers,” said Jeff Maze, president of the Blount County Farmers Federation. “He has a strong work ethic and a good track record of public service to the people of this district.”
“I am honored to receive the Farmers Federation endorsement,” said Shedd. “We have common principles and values, and I am humbled by their support.”
Shedd is a graduate of Wallace State College and is the retired director of the Cullman County Commission on Aging.
Shedd served as chairman of the Cullman County Commission from 1977 to 1985 and as the mayor of Fairview from 1996 to 2012. He was elected to the Legislature in 2013 in a special election.
“Rep. Kitchens has done a good job supporting the needs of agriculture in our district,” said Stanley Sumners, president of the Marshall County Farmers Federation. “He is a hard worker who takes our voice to Montgomery and represents our needs, and we appreciate his service.”
“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the farmers of District 27,” said Kitchens. “I will continue to work hard to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.”
Kitchens earned his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University. Prior to serving in the Legislature, he was president of the Arab Chamber of Commerce. He is involved in various civic and charitable organizations.
Kitchens lives in Arab where he is a member of and teaches youth Sunday School at Arab First Baptist Church
“Sen. Price is a farmer and businessman, so he knows the meaning of hard work,” said Gerald Dial, president of the Clay County Farmers Federation. “He will work with other members of the Legislature to ensure that agriculture is best represented.”
The Alabama Farmers Federation said that, as a small business owner for more than 30 years, Price understands the challenges small business owners face each day, and he knows that a strong business environment is not possible if there is a big government environment.
Price is heavily involved in his community in various civic and charitable causes. He is a member of the Lee County Farmers Federation, the Lee County Cattlemen’s Association, and the Lee County Public Building Authority, to name a few.
The Price family was recently honored as a Century Farm family by the Alabama Department of Agriculture.
“At the Lee County Farm City Dinner our farm was presented with a Century and Heritage Farm Award by Rick Pate, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries,” Price posted on social media. “This land has been in our family for more than 100 years and to receive this recognition was beyond exciting! Three generations were at the dinner last night and we had a mini family reunion.”
The major party primaries are on May 24, 2022.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
