State Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) announced on Monday he’s running in the special election for State Senate District 5.
Senate Pro-Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper), who currently holds the seat, announced his resignation from the Alabama Senate effective January 1. The vacancy will create a special election to finish the remainder of Reed’s term. Senate District 5 covers portions of Walker, Fayette, Lamar, Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties.
“I want to thank Senator Reed for his dedicated service and tremendous leadership for both the people of Senate District 5 and the state of Alabama,” Woods said on Monday. “I have had the privilege of serving alongside him the past two years and I’ve learned so much from our time together. Senator Reed is a true public servant. I wish him and his wife, Mitsy, the very best as they enter a new phase of life."
Governor Kay Ivey hasn’t set a date for the State Senate District 5 special election yet. Woods is the first candidate to announce he’s running for the seat.
“It’s important that our area continues to have conservative representation in Montgomery. That’s why I’m announcing my candidacy for State Senate District 5. As a small business owner, I understand the needs of our communities and the challenges facing our state. Over the past two years, I’ve worked to reduce taxes, grow our economy, and protect our families. I will take that same conservative, pro-family, pro-business approach to work for the people of District 5,” Woods added.
During his two years in the legislature, Woods authored the Alabama Child Protection Act, supported the reduction of sales tax on groceries and co-sponsored the elimination of income taxes on overtime wages.
“I’m excited to hear that Matt Woods is running for Senate District 5. Matt has been a strong Republican and fought for our conservative values in Montgomery. Matt has done a great job for Walker County and I’m proud to personally endorse him,” said Dorman Grace, president of the Walker County Farmers Federation.
Woods is a second-generation entrepreneur and owner of Jasper Auto Sales. He and his wife Brandi have been married for 19 years and have a 14-year-old daughter who attends Jasper High School. Woods is a past chairman of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce. In 2017, he was appointed by Ivey to serve as the fourth congressional district board member of the Alabama Community College System.
Woods and his wife founded non-profit organization H.A.L.O. (Hope After Loss Organization) following the passing of their first child. The group organizes support groups and provides memory boxes for families who experience the loss of a child.
Woods currently represents District 13 in the Alabama House of Representatives. Woods was elected to the State House in 2022. District 13 covers most of Walker County.
To read more about Matt Woods, visit here.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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