State Rep. Ritchie Whorton (R-Madison) announced on Monday that he is endorsing Tim James for Governor. Whorton has served as an Alabama State House Representative for District 22 since 2014.
“Almost eight years ago, I was elected to represent the people of my district, and I understood that my job was to listen, learn, and stand up for the values of the people I represent,” Whorton said in a statement. “It has not always been easy, but I have never shied away from the fight to defend the voice of the people that elected me. During my time in office, I have learned the value and importance of good leadership. As we emerge from the pandemic, we are at a turning point as a state, and it is time to ask... are our leaders prepared for the challenges ahead?”
Whorton said that over the past few months, he has had the opportunity to spend some time with Tim James and discuss James' plans for the future of Alabama. He said that he shares with James many of the same values and a vision for the direction of this great state. Whorton also said that James' understanding of business would be helpful as a state leader and that many of the education issues Alabama faces go beyond money and require change, not excuses.
“Tim James will fight for our values,” Whorton said. “Alabama is poised and ready. It’s time to focus on our future. I am happy to endorse Tim James for Governor of the great state of Alabama.”
Tim James thanked Whorton for his endorsement.
“Rep. Whorton is a conservative businessman who has been unashamed of putting principle over politics,” James said in a statement. “It is an honor to have his endorsement, and I look forward to serving with him as governor.”
James is a Greenville businessman and the son of former Governor Fob James (R). He is seeking the Republican nomination. He ran unsuccessfully for the office in 2002 and 2010. James is challenging incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey (R).
Lindy Blanchard, Lew Burdette, Stacy George, Kay Ivey, Tim James, Donald Trent Jones, Dean Odle, Dave Thomas, and Dean Young are all running in the Republican primary. The winner of the Republican primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the Nov. 8 election.
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