The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) announced on Monday that it was endorsing State Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) in his bid for the state's newly opened Senate District 5 (SD5) seat.
The seat opened after then-Senate Pro-Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) resigned on January 1 to join Gov. Kay Ivey's administration as the senior advisor to Workforce Transformation after holding the seat for nearly 15 years.
Woods, elected to the House of Representatives in 2022, handily won the Republican nomination as the only party member to qualify for the race. He will face Democratic nominee Ryan Cagle in the June general election. The seat has held Republican for over 30 years, making it an uphill battle for the newcomer Cagle.
On Monday, the AFA announced its endorsement for Woods, whose district covers all of Lamar, Fayette and Walker Counties, and parts of Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties. The endorsement cited the massive forestry interest in the area, totaling over $2 billion in economic interest.
"We have been impressed with the work Representative Woods has accomplished in the House the past 2 and half years," AFA president and CEO Chris Isaacson said. "His service to his District has been unmatched and we look forward to what he will accomplish in the Senate. We are proud to support someone whose beliefs align so well with our founding principles. Matt's work ethic and his support for private property rights and fiscal responsibility prove that Senate District 5 will continue to benefit from his leadership."
Woods expressed gratitude for the endorsement, boasting of common goals and principles with AFA's mission.
"I'm excited to have the support and endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association," Woods said. "We share the same conservative values that have made America great – limited government, fiscal responsibility, and respect for private property rights. I look forward to representing all the people of District 5 and I'm glad to have the Alabama Forestry Association supporting me in that effort."
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