Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone likely won’t pursue the Republican nomination for Congress in the 2nd District despite some encouragement to do so.
Stone has been mayor of the Town of Pike Road since 2004 and is the executive director of the Higher Education Partnership, an organization in Montgomery that advocates for Alabama’s four-year public universities.
Stone told 1819 News in a recent interview he’d likely stick with those two roles for the near future instead of running for Congress in Alabama’s newly-created 2nd Congressional District in 2024.
“I was asked by multiple people if I would consider running as a Republican. I was honored that they would inquire; therefore, I agreed to give it some thought,” Stone said. “However, as I told them, I am very excited to serve as Mayor of the Town of Pike Road and as Executive Director of the Higher Education Partnership. We have many great things happening at both places, and I am energized by the opportunities at both the Town and the Partnership. Given those facts, it is unlikely that I will enter the Congressional race during this cycle.”
Stone said, “I’ve had some people that I’ve known that asked me to consider it, and you know that’s a very high compliment in my opinion. So I’ve put a little thought into it, but I would say that I’m very happy where I am.”
Stone said he hasn’t ruled out a run altogether, but he most likely intends to focus on ongoing projects in Pike Road.
“We’ve got a lot of great opportunities in Pike Road. The Higher Education Partnership is doing very well. We’ve got some exciting projects we’re working on in support of our universities. I’ll keep thinking about it, but we’ll just have to see,” Stone said. “I would say that my inclination is to take care of what I’ve got in front of me and appreciate the blessings that we have. I’m honored that people would ask me to think about it (and) because of that I’m not closing any doors.”
The seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise). However, the district was drastically remade by a federal court recently and is now much more winnable for a Democratic candidate. Moore’s hometown was moved into the 1st congressional district under the new map for 2024. Moore could still possibly run for re-election due to there being no residency requirement to serve in Congress. Moore hasn’t said yet what his plans are for 2024. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) is considering pursuing the Democratic nomination for Congress in 2024 in the district. Former State Sen. Dick Brewbaker (R-Montgomery) is reportedly considering seeking the Republican nomination. Qualifying for 2024 in Alabama began Monday and ends on November 10. The primary will be held on March 5, 2024.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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