Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) has officially announced his resignation from the Alabama Senate to take on the position of executive vice president with the Business Council of Alabama (BCA).
1819 News first broke the story about Scofield potentially resigning to become a top lobbyist at the BCA on October 17, what one lawmaker called the “worst kept secret in Montgomery.”
Scofield later decried the claims as “unfortunate rumors” and “untrue.”
On Monday, the Republican Caucus voted to replace Scofield as majority leader with State Sen. Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro).
In a letter sent to the Arab Tribune on Monday, Scofield announced his plans to resign from the Senate, expected to be official by Monday afternoon.
“Serving you as your State Senator for the past thirteen years has truly been the greatest honor of my life, and I hope that I have made you proud,” the letter read. “Every day, I have gotten up and worked hard to make our District and our State the best it can be.”
“I have chosen to focus on areas that give you and your children a better tomorrow. Areas such as a better business climate, education, infrastructure, and things that improve your quality of life.”
Scofield gave a heartfelt farewell to his constituents, saying the decision to leave was the hardest of his life.
“If I didn’t love serving you, the decision would have been easy. It’s a dream job with an organization whose mission I strongly believe in,” he said in the letter. “I have always supported policies that make Alabama more business-friendly because if we have healthy businesses, they can create more high-paying jobs.
He continued, “I will still be around, and I will still be working hard for you every day. I will work more in Montgomery, but District 9 will still be my home.”
Fellow Marshall County resident and freshman House representative for District 26 Brock Colvin congratulated Scofield on a successful career in the legislature.
“Senator Clay Scofield has been an excellent public servant for District 9 and specifically Marshall County,” Colvin said in a statement. “The conservative reforms he has pushed, including the expansion of Broadband to rural residents and saving our state parks, have been unparalleled and have improved the lives of people right here at home. We have been fortunate to have Clay’s representation for the last 13 years, and he will undoubtedly leave big shoes to fill. While we are losing a huge advocate in the Senate, I am confident he will continue to lead and work for the people of Alabama.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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