Shortly after State Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) announced his resignation Monday, State Rep. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab) officially launched his campaign for the soon-to-be-vacant District 9 seat.
First elected in 2018, Kitchens said he was “excited for this opportunity to continue serving the people of north Alabama” and touted his conservative victories over the past five years that he helped win along with Scofield — a fellow member of the Marshall County Legislative Delegation.
“I’ve worked hard in the Alabama Legislature to promote a conservative agenda. Working alongside my friend and colleague Senator Clay Scofield has been an honor, and I wish him the best.” Kitchens continued. “We have cut taxes on hard-working Alabama families, created jobs across north Alabama, and improved our state’s education system. I helped secure funding for a $30 million workforce development and training center in Marshall County and passed legislation to preserve and strengthen our state parks.”
BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY… You may have heard, my friend and colleague, Senator Clay Scofield, has resigned from the State Senate today to accept another opportunity. I’m excited to announce I’ll be running to replace him. Governor Kay Ivey will announce a special election date. pic.twitter.com/MMmNWOF171
— Wes Kitchens (@wes_kitchens) October 31, 2023
Kitchens has served as vice-chair of the Alabama Republican House Caucus, co-chair of the Alabama Pre-K Commission and is the chairman of the Marshall County Republican Party.
“I promised voters that if they elected me, I’d be their conservative voice in Montgomery,” Kitchens said. “Whether it’s fighting for low taxes or standing up to an overreaching federal government, I’m going to do what’s right for Alabama.”
Rumors of who might run for District 9 have been swirling since 1819 News first broke the story of Scofield’s departure, but Kitchens is the first to throw his hat in the ring.
Marshall County Revenue Commissioner Michael Johnson said he’s been inundated with calls to run for the seat, but he told 1819 News he had no plans of leaving his current position. Johnson ran for Secretary of State in 2018 but lost to John Merrill in the Republican primary.
“I have not really needed to give it much thought because there hasn’t been a day since that someone hasn’t mentioned it,” Johnson said about running for District 9. “My concern for the welfare of my current office is inescapable.”
Freshman House Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville) has been mentioned on the list of potential candidates. However, he’s not yet confirmed what he plans to do.
“We will have an announcement coming in the near future on my plans,” Colvin told 1819 News. “For now just want to give Clay the praise he deserves.”
To connect with the story’s author or comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com.
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