State Sen. Tom Butler (R-Madison) is campaigning for re-election in Senate District 2 (SD2).
“I served 12 years in the [Alabama] House,” Butler told 1819 News. "I am finishing up my fifth term in the [State] Senate. This term would be my sixth.”
Butler was in the state legislature from 1982 until 2010 as a Democrat. In 2010, he was defeated in the election by retired Marine Bill Holtzclaw. After serving two terms representing SD2, Holtzclaw chose not to run for re-election, and Butler ran for the open seat on the Republican ticket and won his old seat back in 2018. Now, Holtzclaw is attempting a political comeback by challenging Butler in the Republican primary for SD2.
Despite his history as an elected Democrat, Butler said he “absolutely” considers himself a conservative Republican.
Butler said that he goes to the Tennessee Valley Republicans meetings, the Madison County Republican Executive Committee Meetings, the Republican Men’s Club which meets every month and other Madison County Republican gatherings.
“My opponent has not been to one since he was elected,” Butler said. “I am a member of the State Republican Executive Committee. I have a 100% pro-life voting record. I am a fiscal conservative. I am strong on the Second Amendment. We passed constitutional carry this past session.”
“Mine is the fastest growing district in the state. Huntsville has 215,000 people. It is the largest city in the state. My hometown of Madison has 57,000, which ranks it high among the cities. We have a lot of needs.”
Butler said that his good working relationship with Gov. Kay Ivey is an asset in supporting his district.
“I have been working with Governor Ivey on addressing those needs,” Butler said. “When my opponent was in office, he made Gov. Bentley mad with a billboard, so the governor canceled three road projects that we had planned. I, working with Gov. Ivey, have restarted all three of those projects.”
Butler explained that those three major road projects already underway include widening Interstate 65, adding lanes to I-565 and extending the six lanes east to the Madison County line.
Acquiring funding for these projects is on Butler’s list as one of his greatest accomplishments during this term. He also cited getting the funding for a new engineering building at the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) that will serve as a pipeline for the new FBI and Space Force facilities which have moved to Huntsville. Butler also mentioned conservative budgeting as a major accomplishment of his as well as working with the University of Alabama Board of Trustees on increasing funding for UAH.
When asked about how the state will proceed if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, Butler responded, “I am 100% pro-life. But I think we need a bill to carve out some exceptions for rape, incest, and to save the life of the mother.
“Conception occurs through an act of love," said Butler. "Rape is not an act of love, and incest is not right either. Saving the mother’s life should take precedence. I support those exceptions.”
Overall, Butler feels his campaign is going well.
“We are working hard,” Butler said. “I always believe in the fundamentals. We are going out every day speaking to groups, putting out signs, and going door to door. I like campaigning and going out and meeting people. We will not be out-worked.”
Butler is a career pharmacist and father and grandfather. His wife, Karen, is a registered nurse.
He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from the University of Alabama, a Certificate in Medical Technology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Pharmacy Degree from Auburn University.
Butler is a member of University Baptist Church, with which he has been on multiple mission trips. He is also a member of Gideon’s International, the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the Alabama Pharmacy Association, the Community Free Clinic Board and the Calhoun Community College Foundation Board.
Republican primary voters will decide between Holtzclaw and Butler in Tuesday’s Republican primary.
The winner will face Democratic nominee Kim Caudle Lewis in the Nov. 8 general election.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
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