State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne) announced he will run for another term to represent Alabama House District 96 in the upcoming 2026 elections.
"Representing District 96 has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Simpson said. "I've worked hard to make sure our community and our families are protected, our economy continues to grow, and that we're building a stronger future for Baldwin County. There's still important work to be done, and I'm ready to keep fighting for the people I serve."
Simpson, a prosecutor in both Baldwin and Mobile Counties, introduced legislation to increase penalties for fentanyl trafficking and legislation making offenders of certain child sex crimes eligible for the death penalty.
More recently, Simpson has voiced his support for Alabama to make it a capital offense to murder an individual while "knowingly creating a great risk of death to multiple persons."
That legislation was inspired by shootings in public places such as a Mobile New Year's celebration, a Mobile dance recital, downtown Montgomery and at an HBCU football game.
Also, in support of public safety efforts, Simpson helped create the Baldwin County Mental Health Court, which allows those in crisis to access treatment. Additionally, Stimpson secured funds to add more judges and expand satellite courthouses in Baldwin County.
Another area of focus for Simpson has been economic development, where he helped with funding of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. That move led to one of the largest industrial investments in state history, with the recruitment of Novelis.
"This job is about taking care of people and making sure families have what they need to build better lives," Simpson said. "Whether it's expanding Mental Health Court, holding fentanyl traffickers accountable, strengthening penalties for child predators, securing Novelis and Baldwin Prep, supporting school choice, cutting the grocery tax, or paying down state debt, these are practical steps that make a real difference. We're getting important work done, and I want to keep building on that progress."
Daphne Mayor Robin LeJeune and Spanish Fort Mayor Brad Bass were among 200 Simpson supporters at his campaign kickoff in Daphne.
Simpson, a former chair of the Baldwin County Republican Party and the Congressional District 1 chair of the Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee, has been married to his wife, Marina, for 22 years. They have two children and are members of Coastal Church in Daphne.
In the Legislature, he is a member of the Judiciary Committee, Ports, Waterways and Intermodal Transit Committee, the Constitution, Campaign and Elections Committee, the Sunset Committee and the Joint Prison Oversight Committee.
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