By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, state Sen. Bill Hightower, R-Mobile, announced that he will run for Governor of Alabama in 2018. Hightower made the announcement at an event with supporters in Mobile at the battleship U.S.S. Alabama.
Hightower said, “As a businessman, I am blessed to work with many in our community, and throughout the State. Together, we have done much with what God has given us. The phrase, “Alone I can go fast, but together we can go far”, comes to mind. And we have much further to go, but we need to place the foundational blocks in place now, for our future.”
Hightower stressed, “I have never been a political insider, or a Montgomery good-ole-boy. And I’ve never been content with the status quo or just maintaining. Friends, that’s not what Alabama wants, and that’s not what Alabama deserves…In this coming election, you will have a choice between career politicians and Montgomery insiders… OR… someone with the business experience to improve our economy and set the stage for the next 50 years. A choice between tired old ideas and policies that don’t work… OR… real-world, workable ideas to fix our state without raising taxes. And finally, a choice between a tax and spend policy… OR… true conservative ideals and reform.”
Hightower represents Mobile and the Alabama Gulf Coast in the state Senate.
Hightower said, “Mobile has given much to me and my family, and now I want to give back. And what better place to announce my intention to do so. A special place situated on what is historically called the Bay of the Holy Spirit, which now holds a proud military vessel where so many of Alabama’s soldiers served as our nation’s greatest generation. Served with Honor. It is because I want to serve You….. AND Alabama that I announce today, my candidacy for Governor of the great State of Alabama!”
Hightower promised, “In doing so I promise to you that I will be a Governor that will bring honor to you, and to God. And I’ll bring people with me that will make you proud of your Capital.”
Hightower has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Alabama and a Master’s degree in business administration from Vanderbilt University.
Hightower has worked with Fortune 100 corporations including Emerson Electric, AlliedSignal, Eaton, and Balfour-Beatty. In 2002, Bill returned home to Mobile, to be closer to family. He now runs several small businesses. Hightower has been publicly exploring running for governor all summer.
Hightower is married to Susan Binegar Hightower, and they have three children and two grandchildren.
As of Sept. 5, Hightower is reporting having $505,283.97 in his campaign account.
The 2018 governor’s race promised to be a crowded field, likely to include: Gov. Kay Ivey, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle , former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy George, Birmingham area evangelist Scott Dawson, Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington, Birmingham area businessman Josh Jones, former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, same-sex marriage advocate Christopher Countryman, and camp administrator Mark Johnston with more candidates still expected to enter the race.
The major party primaries will be on June 5, 2018.
