Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh was appointed as state director for rural development in Alabama for the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday.
Cavanaugh is currently the president of the Alabama Public Service Commission, where she was first elected statewide in 2010.
Cavanaugh said in a statement on Tuesday, “It is with a grateful heart that I inform you of my decision to step down as President of the Alabama Public Service Commission on Sunday, June 1, 2025. It has been a tremendous honor to serve the people of Alabama in this capacity. I love working for you, and from day one, I took the trust you placed in me seriously. Every decision made, every mile traveled, and every late night was motivated by the desire to fight for the hardworking families in our great state.”
“Together, we brought natural gas to poultry farmers in east Alabama, helping to sustain the agriculture industry which feeds our families. We fought the misguided liberal mandates and burdensome energy policies pushed by both the Obama and Biden Administrations, protecting Alabamians from the devastating fiscal consequences of the far-left Green New Deal agenda. We also helped lay the groundwork for expanding broadband across our state, ensuring Alabama families have access to technology in their homes and small businesses. And internally, we slashed government waste and annually sent over 10 million dollars to the General Fund,” she added. “This is the thirteenth year I have been blessed to serve you as President of the Public Service Commission. I have been humbled by the support and warm welcome you continue to give me both at the ballot box and as I travel all 67 counties to visit with you.”
Cavanaugh continued, “I certainly would not be leaving the job you entrusted me with if it were not for an amazing opportunity to serve in President Donald J. Trump's Administration as the USDA Alabama Director of Rural Development. Though my title will change, my heart remains the same - rooted in faith and conservative principles, grounded in gratitude and devoted to the people of Alabama. I know our brightest days are ahead of us!”
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said “Cavanaugh’s proven track record of sensible spending and common-sense government will serve the state well.”
“Twinkle Cavanaugh is the kind of person we need at Rural Development,” Parnell said. “Her greatest asset is her strong network among real people — both individuals and businesses — and her ability to leverage relationships to get things done. We look forward to continuing our work together.”
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