By Chip Brownlee
Alabama Political Reporter
A Madison small businessman will be joining the primary battle for the Republican nomination for the State Senate seat held by Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, R-Madison, who has said he won’t seek re-election next year.
Madison City Councilman Steve Smith, who is in his second term on the council, said in an announcement Monday that he would be seeking the seat. Former State Sen. Tom Butler, who served in the body from 1994-2010 as a Democrat, has also said he is seeking the seat as a Republican.
Holtzclaw, who has served since 2010, is leaving his seat in the State Legislature to run for the 2nd Congressional District. Madison area attorney Amy Wasyluka has announced she is running for the seat as a Democrat.
Smith said he is running for the seat because the state needs “fresh new conservative leadership.”
“Our district is a great place to work and raise a family and it is vital that we have the support from Montgomery for our roads, infrastructure, schools and our quality of life,” Smith said.
Smith serves as chairman of the finance subcommittee of the Madison City Council in addition to roles on the redevelopment authority and the public library authority. He is the council’s representative to the Revenue Department and Finance Department, his announcement said.
Having worked in the transportation industry for over two decades, Smith now owns a transportation, brokerage and logistics company. He graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with a degree in business administration and computer information systems.
“As a small businessman, I understand how important it is to create a pro-business environment and raising taxes on hardworking families should never be the first option. I will make sure our values and morals are protected,” Smith said.
Smith, an usher and greeter at Asbury Methodist Church, has been married to his wife, Mickie, for 25 years. They have two sons together. One is a special-needs teacher at Madison City Schools. The other is a student-athlete at the University of Alabama Huntsville.
“I will work with Governor Ivey and the Republican leadership to move our state forward while making sure our community and district receives its fair share,” Smith said. “I believe that protecting our values while demanding accountability is imperative to the future of our state.”
The primaries are set for June 5, 2018.
