The Alabama Farmers Federation on Friday announced more legislative race endorsements going into the 2022 Republican and Democratic primaries
The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed Donna Givens for Alabama House District 64, which is in Baldwin County.
“It is a privilege to endorse someone who has done so much work in and for our county,” said Hope Cassebaum, Baldwin County Farmers Federation president. “We are thrilled that Donna is running and support her whole-heartedly.”
“I am humbled to receive the endorsement of the Farmers Federation,” said Givens. “I share their conservative values and look forward to working with them and all the people of HD 64.”
Givens had a 47-year career with Baldwin Electric Membership Corporation. She graduated from Robertsdale High School and Mobile College.
Givens has held positions on numerous community, business and civic organizations’ boards in Baldwin County. Those include serving as chairman of the South Baldwin Hospital and being appointed to numerous local and statewide boards by multiple governors.
Givens and her husband, Alton, have four children and seven grandchildren.
The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed Frances Holk-Jones for the open Alabama House District 95. House District 95 is in Baldwin County.
“Frances Holk-Jones is a great public servant in our community, and we know she will be in Montgomery as well,” said Hope Cassebaum, Baldwin County Farmers Federation president. “She knows how to get things done, and we know she will work hard for us in the legislature.”
“It is a special honor to receive the endorsement of our farmers,” said Holk-Jones. “It will be an even bigger honor to represent them, small businesses and all the people of HD 95 in south Baldwin County.”
Holk-Jones is a lifelong resident of Baldwin County whose father and grandfather both served as mayors of Foley in south Baldwin County.
Holk-Jones is a fourth-generation insurance agent and active community leader. She currently volunteers for Care House Child Advocacy Center, Main Street Foley, South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, South Baldwin Health Foundation, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center and the Alabama Coastal Business Chamber. Holk-Jones is also involved with the American Heart Association of Baldwin County, the Coastal Art Center of Orange Beach Friends, and countless other community organizations.
She is a co-founder and current chairperson of the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation fostering "Peer Helpers" in 605 schools where they support young people with life's day-to-day struggles.
Frances is married to Carl Jones, and she has four children.
The Alabama Farmers Federation Endorses Matt Woods for the open House District 13 seat. House District 13 is in Walker County.
“Matt Woods has lived here all his life and knows the importance of agriculture, small businesses and the education of our children,” said Dorman Grace, Walker County Farmers Federation president. “We know he will do a good job representing us at home and in Montgomery.”
“The Farmers Federation is an outstanding group of people,” said Woods. “I share their conservative values and look forward to being a voice for agriculture and business in Montgomery.”
Woods worked in the family business, Jasper Auto Sales, where he is now an owner.
Woods attended Bevill State Community College, and then transferred to Auburn University where he received a B.S. degree in Business Administration with a focus in aviation.
Woods has been an active member of his community, serving on numerous boards and with civic groups. He is the past chairman and executive committee member of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce. He has served as a mentor for the Walker County Youth Leadership Program and is an alum of Leadership Walker County. He serves as a board of trustee member with the Walker College Foundation and was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to serve on the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.
Woods and his wife, Brandi, reside in Jasper. They have one daughter and attend Parrish Church of Christ, where Woods is a deacon.
The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed incumbent State Rep. Phillip Pettus (R-Killeen) for Alabama House District 1, which is in Lauderdale County.
“Rep. Pettus is a good public servant for our district,” said Joe Dickerson, Lauderdale County Farmers Federation president. “He cares about the needs of his constituents and represents them well in Montgomery.”
“I am honored to receive the Farmers Federation endorsement,” said Pettus. “It is humbling any time such a good group of people endorses you and the work you do for them in Montgomery.”
Pettus is a retired Alabama State Trooper who obtained the rank of captain before retiring in 2013 with 25 years of service. Pettus attended Shelby State Community College and the University of North Alabama.
Pettus and his wife, Mary, have three children and eight grandchildren. They attend Atlas Church of Christ.
The Alabama Farmers Federation endorsed incumbent state Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika). Gray represents Alabama House District 83, which is in portions of Lee and Russell counties.
Gray received his B.S. degree in Sports Management from North Carolina State where he was captain of the football team. He is now owner of EYG – Elevate Your Grind, a lifestyle brand that focuses on empowerment through mental and physical wellness.
“Rep. Gray is a leader in the House of Representatives, and we appreciate his service to our district,” said Jamie Lazenby, Lee County Farmers Federation president. “He works hard to make sure our needs are represented in Montgomery.”
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of such a great group of people who work so hard to make a positive impact on our state,” said Gray. “I look forward to working with them to make Alabama an even better place to live.”
Gray is involved in his community in various ways and has been recognized for his outstanding leadership skills by the Rural Leader Magazine, Opelika Chamber of Commerce, the NAACP and the Council of State Governments.
Gray is an active member of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church.
The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with more than 340,000 members. It uses a true grassroots approach to select candidates, relying on FarmPAC endorsements from county Federation boards for local elections.
The major party primaries will be held on May 24, 2022.
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