Foley's Mike Vandenheuvel, better known as Mike Van, announced he is running for Alabama Senate District 32.
While he is not a politician, Van, who lives in Foley, said he is passionate about doing what is best for the district.
Van, a former car dealership owner and "semi-retired" car salesman, said he decided to run for office after people in the community approached him with the idea.
"I'm still healthy, I want to try something different and I prayed, prayed and prayed and prayed to say, 'God, please just tell me what,' and I really ought to do something different. And I mean, like three or four days after hard praying, some people came to me and said, 'Mike, we'd like for you to run for senator."
Van told 1819 News he could not reveal those who wanted him to run, but said he believes they want current State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) to be replaced.
"They don't want to be identified. I think they're scared of Elliott, to be honest with you," Van told 1819 News.
As a Republican, Van said he has probably voted for Elliott, but he isn't familiar with him. However, he said some constituents are asking for change.
Van said his priorities are education, managing growth, supporting law enforcement, and fostering relationships so that local leaders and elected officials work together.
"I think the school system, we need to try to keep all the schools together and not let them, you know, divide them out," Van said in reference to municipalities forming their own school districts.
Van has already met with Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler and Assistant Superintendent Joe Sharp about their needs.
A portion of a Baldwin County sales tax that goes to county schools has been a contentious issue after Gulf Shores and Orange Beach formed their own school systems. The municipal school districts and city leaders have been calling for their fair share of the tax. While Elliott has fought to bring some of the revenue to the municipalities, Van said that, at first glance, the tax appears intended for Baldwin County Schools.
"I believe that if Gulf Shores and Orange Beach dropped out of our school system, and you know, I think from just a little bit I've read about, they got a pretty good deal when they dropped out, but they're wanting more of it," Van said.
However, he said he would like to learn more about the tax before taking a position.
With the drastic growth in Baldwin County over the past decade, Van said he wants to focus on transportation.
"We've got to fix roads and bridges," he said. "You know, work with the county commissioners. You know, work together to get all this done. I mean, the federal funds and stuff like that we get, but you've still got to work together, and it seems like the more people I talk to, the more division there is. We have just got to get everybody working together."
Van also said he wants to help the local seafood industry by looking into ways to ensure Gulf shrimp and fish are sourced locally.
As for other topics, Van said he supports natural resources and wants to do what he can to protect them. He said he's neutral on gambling and the lottery in Alabama, but he recognizes Alabama is losing thousands of dollars to Georgia, Florida and Mississippi on lottery ticket sales.
Regarding the district's issues, Van said he wants to hear from constituents and do what's best for the people.
"I am not a 'it's my way or the highway' kind of guy and I'm not a politician," he said. "I'm more interested in other people's opinions and getting to know them to work together."
As a founding member and past president of the Baldwin County Academic and Sports Foundation, Van said he loves giving back to local teachers and supporting students.
Van graduated from Robertsdale High School in 1972 and began selling cars. He owned and operated Mike Van Chevrolet in Bay Minette for more than 10 years. Van is a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Robertsdale.
Alabama Senate District 32 covers a portion of eastern and southern unincorporated Baldwin County, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort and Perdido Beach.
The primary election will be held on May 19, 2026, and the general election will be held on November 3, 2026.
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