ROBERTSDALE — The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) endorses candidates based on shared grassroots values, and a new television ad in the Congressional District 1 race is causing confusion.
The ad for State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) shows Marques wearing an ALFA cap. However, ALFA has endorsed former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) in that race.
ALFA public relations and communications director Jeff Helms told 1819 News the endorsement was made months ago.
"Our only response would be that we made our endorsement back on October 9," Helms said. "We have endorsed Jerry Carl from last fall."
It is unclear where the photo of Marques in the ALFA cap originated. ALFA endorsed Marques in his 2022 race for the State House of Representatives.
Helms said Carl represented farmers well during his time as a congressman and said ALFA stands by its endorsement.
"I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Farmers Federation and Alabama's outstanding farm community," said Carl. "Our farmers represent the very backbone of this nation — men and women whose hard work and dedication sustain our way of life."
Carl attended an ALFA-sponsored candidate meet-and-greet on Monday in Robertsdale.
"Jerry Carl shares our conservative values and is aware of the needs of the agricultural community in this district," said Hope Cassebaum, president of the Baldwin County Farmers Federation. "He will be a conservative voice for us in Washington."
Marques' team told 1819 News his campaign had no involvement in the ad. They released the campaign's first television ad last week. The ad titled "Alabama Values" highlights Marques' support for President Donald Trump and the bills he has supported to ban transgender athletes and cut taxes. He vowed to work along U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) to protect families and deliver Trump's "America First" agenda.
"Rhett's closing message is the same as it was when he launched this campaign: South Alabama needs a proven conservative winner who can deliver real results," said Saylor Cuzzort, campaign manager for Rhett for Alabama. "This campaign continues to gain grassroots momentum, and today's announcement reaffirms that Rhett is on track to win this race and send President Trump a strong conservative fighter from Alabama's First Congressional District."
The primary election is on May 19.
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