State Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) announced on Monday he was running for re-election in 2026.
Clouse told 1819 News on Monday he decided to run again due to encouragement from constituents and fellow lawmakers.
"I've been there since 1994 so I've got a little experience in my back pocket. We have a very cohesive Wiregrass legislative delegation. I've had a lot of encouragement from them and constituents in Dale and Houston County to run for re-election. I said a couple years ago I wasn't going to run again, but from that encouragement from constituents I decided that I would run. Just want to be able to continue to try to be effective for the people of Dale and Houston County and make sure they have a voice in Montgomery," Clouse said.
Clouse said state finances and budgets would be a big topic during the 2025 legislative session starting on February 4.
"I think money matters are going to start becoming more front and center. We've sort of the last three or four years because of the COVID and the stimulus funds that were put down to all the states sort of covered up what the financial matters were. Not only in Alabama but all over the country," Clouse said. "That's being filtered out now and I think that's going to become more of an issue because that's the two responsibilities that the legislature has is passing general fund (and) education budgets. I think budgets are going to be some of the top priorities. There's going to be a whole array of other issues coming forward simply because last year a lot of things got pushed to the side because of the gambling legislation. A lot of the bills that got passed in the House never made it to the Senate so you'll see a lot of those particular issues coming back up as well as new ones so it's going to be a very busy session."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
