The Alabama Farmers Federation announces another round of legislative endorsements ahead of the May 24 major party primaries.
The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed Mike Kirkland for House District 23, which is in Jackson County.
“Mike Kirkland is a solid conservative contender for this legislative seat,” said Phillip Thompson, Jackson County Farmers Federation president. “He is a strong leader in our community and will be in the Legislature as well.”
“It is humbling to receive the endorsement of farmers – some of the hardest working people in our state,” said Kirkland. “I look forward to being a voice for agriculture in the Alabama House of Representatives.”
Kirkland has worked in multiple capacities for more than 30 years at Vulcan Materials. He has also been involved in multiple civic and charitable organizations over the years.
Kirkland received his associate degree in Science and Arts from Northeast Alabama Community College while working full-time in a textile mill. He later received a B.A. from Athens State University and an M.A. in business administration from the University of North Alabama.
Kirkland is challenging incumbent State Rep. Tommy Hanes (R).
The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed Jennifer Fidler for House District 94, which is in Baldwin County.
“Jennifer Fidler is a hard worker with an extensive 25-year background in local government,” said Hope Cassebaum, Baldwin County Farmers Federation president. “She knows the importance of agriculture to our area and will represent us well in Montgomery.”
“I am humbled by the Farmers Federation’s endorsement,” said Fidler. “We share the same concerns about agriculture and its economic impact on Alabama. I look forward to representing them and all the people of District 94.”
Fidler owns Fidler Consulting and is a landscape expert helping support small communities. She is also an advisor to the national America in Bloom program.
Fidler has an undergraduate degree from Auburn University and a master’s degree from Troy University. She also graduated from Faith Bible Institute.
Fidler is challenging incumbent Republican Joe Faust in the GOP primary.
The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed Republican Brock Colvin for the open House District 26, which is in Marshall County.
“Brock Colvin will be a strong voice for business and for agriculture in the Legislature,” said Stanley Sumners, Marshall County Farmers Federation president. “He will be a great leader who represents conservative ideals, so we support him whole-heartedly.”
“I am proud to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Farmers Federation,” said Colvin. “I have always supported the same conservative values they have and realize that agriculture is a huge economic force in our state.”
Colvin graduated from the University of Alabama. He is a former insurance professional and current financial advisor.
Colvin is a member of the Albertville Rotary Club, Albertville and Boaz Chambers of Commerce and Southside Baptist Church.
The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed Dr. Mark Shirey for House District 100, which is in Mobile County. The seat is being vacated due to the retirement of Rep. Victor Gaston (R).
“Dr. Shirey will be a great asset to the House of Representatives,” said Art Sessions, Mobile County Farmers Federation president. “He will do an outstanding job representing the people and businesses of West Mobile.”
“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Farmers Federation,” said Shirey. “I look forward to working with them to help make House District 100 the best it can be.”
Shirey has owned and operated an optometry practice in Mobile for over 20 years.
The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed incumbent Rep. Kelvin Lawrence (D-Hayneville) for Alabama House District 69, which covers portions of Autauga, Lowndes, and Montgomery counties.
“Rep. Lawrence has worked hard in the Legislature, and we have no doubt he will continue to do so for the next four years,” said Toni Flowers, Montgomery County Farmers Federation president. “We are proud to endorse him.”
“It is humbling to receive the endorsement of the Farmers Federation of this county and our state,” said Lawrence. “They are a conservative group of people who work hard to help improve our state, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to do the same.”
Preceding his time in the Legislature, Lawrence was mayor of Hayneville. He is president of Kelvin Developing Co., Inc. He owns and operates several Subway sandwich shop franchises. He is also vice president of Keepers of the Brotherhood and has also been involved with the Hayneville Boys and Girls Club, Ark of Love Ministries and the Family Guidance Policy Council.
Lawrence is a lifelong resident of Hayneville and a graduate of St. Jude Educational Institute. He also pursued an education at Alabama State University where he learned the fundamentals of Business Management.
The major party primaries are on May 24.
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.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
