The Alabama Farmers Federation announced Tuesday night that grassroots connections propelled FarmPAC-endorsed candidates to victory in Tuesday’s primary runoff elections.
The biggest win for the state’s largest farmer organization was Katie Boyd Britt’s victory for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said Katie Britt’s dominance in the Republican race for U.S. Senate demonstrates the value of building relationships with farmers and families in Alabama’s rural communities.
“As Katie said in her acceptance speech, voters are looking for elected officials who will listen instead of lecture,” Parnell said. “No candidate worked harder to earn votes than Katie Britt, and I’m convinced no one will work harder at putting Alabama and America first. Federation members in all 67 counties are proud to be among her earliest and most active supporters. Congratulations, Katie, on a job well done!”
Britt acknowledged the farmers’ impact on the campaign during her Tuesday night speech.
“[This] is to the farmers — and I see you all out there — thank you!” said Britt. “…[They] have talked to me about overburdensome regulation and taxes and their fear of not being able to pass along the family farm to the next generation. This is for you!”
Parnell said that the importance of the Federation’s grassroots network was seen down the ballot.
In statewide Republican races, FarmPAC-endorsed candidates who won nominations were Wes Allen, Secretary of State, and Chip Beeker and Jeremy Oden, Public Service Commission. Federation-supported Dale Strong also was victorious in U.S. Congressional District 5.
“We thank these candidates for visiting with Federation members on the issues and seeking our support,” Parnell said. “We look forward to helping them finish strong in November’s general election and working with them to strengthen our state and nation.”
State Rep. Andrew Sorrell (R-Muscle Shoals) was the lone GOP runoff winner not endorsed by FarmPAC. FarmPAC endorsed former State Rep. Rusty Glover for the office of State Auditor in the Republican primary, and when Glover failed to advance to the runoff, the farmers endorsed Stan Cooke.
In Alabama legislative races, FarmPAC-endorsed candidates advancing to the general election were: incumbent Tim Wadsworth, R-House District 14; James Lomax, R-House District 20; Ontario Tillman, D-House District 56; Mark Shirey, R-House District 100; and Robert Stewart, D-Senate District 23. Stewart defeated former State Sen. Hank Sanders (D-Selma) who was attempting to make a comeback after his daughter, Malika Sanders-Fortier, ran for governor rather than seek re-election. Sen. Sanders-Fortier lost Tuesday’s primary runoff to political newcomer Yolanda Rochelle Flowers of Birmingham.
FarmPAC-endorsed candidate Patrick Johnson lost the Republican nomination for House District 4 to incumbent Rep. Parker Duncan Moore. The Democratic race for House District 55 involving FarmPAC-endorsed incumbent Rod Scott (D-Fairfield) was too close to call Tuesday night.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819news.com.
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