Tuesday’s organizational session for the Alabama Legislature saw a slew of new leadership in the House and a sweep of incumbent reelections in the Senate.
In the Senate chamber, members unanimously voted in favor of incumbent President Pro Tempore Greg Reed (R-Jasper), who has held the seat since the 2021 regular session.
In the House, State Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) has been officially voted in as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Ledbetter was nominated by State Rep. Randall Shedd (R-Cullman), who gave a glowing recommendation.
“He is slow to anger yet quick to action with firm direction,” Shedd said. He’s a man that understands the working men and women of Alabama. He understands what it's like to serve.”
The vote concluded unanimously in favor of Ledbetter, with a final tally of 102-0.
Ledbetter took the podium to accept his designation, delivering a speech before taking the gavel of outgoing State Rep. Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia).
“I stand before you today a man that is humbled by the faith you have put in me and the great responsibility you have placed upon my shoulders; I pledge to you here and now to work as hard as I am able to justify both,” Ledbetter said.
“From time to time, we will have different ideals and suggestions, different paths to achieve a mission," he continued. "But it’s a mission all of us share. I understand that the Speaker’s gavel is not a weapon; it’s a tool to be used to encourage honest debate, find common ground, and represent the constituents that each of us seeks to serve.”
“Each time we enter the chamber, we pass by the phrase that is so important that it’s carved into the seal of the Alabama House of Representatives: ‘vox populi,’ which means the voice of the people. I intend to let those voices be heard, not through political grandstanding, but through open and fair and constructive debate," Ledbetter added.
Ledbetter listed his priorities as the next Speaker, such as increasing broadband access, addressing the fentanyl crisis, improving education, and improving mental health.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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