The election for Alabama State Senate President Pro-Tempore could come as early as next week sources tell 1819 News.
According to a report from Yellowhammer News, current State Senate Pro-Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) is relinquishing his State Senate seat and the Pro-Tem post ahead of the 2025 legislative session.
SEE ALSO: Senate President Pro-Tem Greg Reed reportedly set to step down
The report speculated Reed to serve as an adviser to Gov. Kay Ivey "related to the Alabama Department of Workforce."
The move by Reed leaves the upper chamber searching for a new leader for the 2025 session.
1819 News has learned the race is shaping up to be between two candidates, State Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) and State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman).
The pro tem position is the highest-ranking position in the Alabama State Senate. It sets the agenda and controls the floor business.
The winner of the contest will inherit a 27-8 Republican supermajority.
Despite that supermajority, Democrat members have successfully slowed business of the Alabama Senate in recent years, led primarily by State Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) and State Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham).
SEE ALSO: Two Democrats dominate Republican supermajority-led Alabama State Senate in 2023
Livingston has represented Senate District 8 in the northeastern corner of the state since 2014. He was elected Majority Leader in 2023.
The Jackson County lawmaker owned The Fuel Center, Inc., formerly Discus Oil Company, a distributor of Chevron Gasoline and Lubricants. He graduated from Scottsboro High School and the University of Alabama.
Livingston's likely opponent, Gudger, has represented Senate District 4 in north central Alabama since 2018.
Gudger is the proprietor of Southern Accents Architectural Antiques, one of the top five architectural salvage companies in the nation. He is a graduate of Cullman High School, a former football player at Samford University and a graduate of Auburn University.
Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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