The Tim James for Governor campaign announced on Thursday that State Representative and former NFL player Rich Wingo (R-Tuscaloosa) has endorsed James.
“Tim James will stand in the gap for our Christian conservative values,” said Wingo. “Tim is pro-life and believes in bringing back prayer in schools. Tim also sees the damage gambling has created in our families all across this country and will strongly oppose bringing it here. Tim also recognizes that our state rates last in the country in math proficiency, which he believes is totally unacceptable. He is a businessman that understands a [profit and loss] statement, budgets and payroll. I am encouraging all Alabamians to vote for Tim James for Governor.”
Wingo is a former University of Alabama and NFL football player. He has served as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives for House District 62, representing Tuscaloosa County since 2015.
Wingo is a recognized business leader. He currently serves on the House Transportation Committee and has been the Vice-Chair for the Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee for the past two terms. In his public service, Wingo has also served on the Financial Services Committee, Ways and Means General Fund Committee, Tuscaloosa and Jefferson County Legislation Committees, Insurance Committee, and the Ways and Means General Fund. Wingo is not running for re-election.
James thanked Wingo for his endorsement.
“Rich has served the state of Alabama well for the past seven years, and his conservative values and convictions will be greatly missed in the Alabama Legislature in the upcoming years," said James. "Rich's endorsement is an honor, and I am thankful for his support.”
James is a social conservative who opposes proposed gambling legislation and who seeks to repeal the Alabama medical marijuana law. Wingo shares many of the same socially conservative stances as James.
James is challenging incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey (R) in the Republican primary.
Lindy Blanchard, Lew Burdette, Stacy George, Ivey, James, Donald Trent Jones, Dean Odle, Dave Thomas, and Dean Young are all running for the Republican nomination for governor.
Yolanda Rochelle Flowers, Patricia Salter Jamieson, Arthur Kennedy, Chad “Chig” Martin, Malika Sanders Fortier and Doug “New Blue” Smith are all running for the nomination in the Democratic primary.
Both primaries are on May 24.
The winner of the Republican primary will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the general election on Nov. 8.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
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