Former Limestone County Commissioner Ben Harrison (R) formally announced the kickoff of his campaign for Alabama House District 2 (HD2) this week. HD2 covers portions of Lauderdale and Limestone Counties.
“I am excited to officially announce my candidacy for Alabama State House,” Harrison said. “This was not a decision that I made lightly, but something that I felt called to do after a lot of thought and prayer. I love this community, and it would be an honor for me to serve the people across District 2 if elected. I have so many great friends, neighbors, and family members in both Lauderdale and Limestone counties. This district is my home, and I am excited about the possibility of helping make sure it stays safe, successful and strong moving forward.”
HD2 incumbent Rep. Lynn Greer (R-Rogersville) is retiring at the end of the term. Jason Black, another former Limestone County commissioner, and Kimberly Butler, a Shoals area businesswoman, are also running for the seat. Terrance Irelan has also qualified as a candidate.
There is no Democrat candidate running in HD2.
Harrison is a life-long resident of Alabama. He attended Owens Junior High and West Limestone High School. After graduating from high school in 1978, he attended Calhoun Community College and Auburn University, obtaining a degree in Engineering. During his professional career, Ben worked as the Technical Services Manager overseeing Industrial Engineering, Process Control, and Environmental Engineering for Kohler.
“I grew up on my family farm between Athens and Rogersville and learned a lot about the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity from my family,” Harrison said. “I am definitely not your normal political candidate. I have an engineering degree from Auburn University, and always look for common sense and conservative solutions to the problems we face. Those are values that I believe we need in Montgomery.”
Harrison served two terms on the Limestone County Commission from 2012 to 2020.
“I am running for state House because I am deeply concerned about the future of our state and nation,” Harrison said. “We need elected officials who believe in the Constitution and are willing to stand for the values of the people who elect them. I am a Christian and conservative who firmly believes in the vision of our founding fathers. People deserve to have their rights protected and their values defended, and that is exactly what I will do if elected to the state House.”
In 2020, Harrison was elected statewide as a Delegate to the Republican National Convention for President Donald Trump.
“The state of Alabama is going to be facing a lot of challenges over the coming years, and it’s important that we face those challenges responsibly,” Harrison said. “I am a strong fiscal conservative, and my record working with the county commission shows that. I want to keep taxes as low as possible for the people of Alabama. Quite simply, I believe we need to have the courage to cut wasteful spending instead of raising taxes. I also think it’s important that state government defend our citizens from federal overreach. Government at every level should be defending people’s rights, and not infringing on them. Whether it’s Joe Biden’s vaccine mandates or your right to keep and bear arms, I will defend your freedoms in the state House.”
He is married to Beth McGuire Harrison, and they have four children.
“As a father and grandfather, education is another issue that is incredibly important to me. I am invested in the future we are leaving for the next generation, and I want to protect our children so they can be successful in the years to come,” Harrison said. “Parents know what is best for their children, and I am committed to working with them and local teachers to help improve our education system. I believe we need to keep Critical Race Theory and Common Core out of our schools and get back to teaching the basics.”
In 2001, Ben left the corporate world and started his own small business with his family.
“As well as education, I would like to improve our infrastructure,” Harrison said. “As an engineer and former County Commissioner, I understand the challenges facing our community firsthand. Improving road conditions, access to high-speed internet, and creating a business-friendly environment are three of my top infrastructure priorities. There is a lot that I would like to accomplish for our community if elected to the state House, but my number one goal would be serving the people of District 2. I am a proud Republican, and it’s important to me that our elected officials defend the fundamental values that the people of Alabama believe in. As your State Representative, I will stand for the right to life, traditional family values, responsible spending, keeping taxes as low as possible, and increasing government transparency.”
Harrison currently holds a lead in campaign fundraising with $65,844 total cash on hand, compared to his opponents. Black is listed with $30,144, and Butler with $11,256.
The Republican primary is May 24.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
