Sunday, state Senate Rules Committee Chair James Thomas “Jabo” Waggoner (R-Vestavia) endorsed fellow state Senator Gerald Dial (R-Lineville) for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.
“Over the years, I have been privileged to serve in the Legislature with Gerald Dial,” Waggoner said. “I have observed first-hand his tireless work to pass legislation that benefits Alabama’s agriculture community, food safety, our state’s business growth, and our K-12 education funding. As a leader in the Senate, Gerald’s vision was to ensure that Alabama was second to none when it comes to creating jobs, keeping taxes low and that our agriculture community would be one of the best in the nation. Gerald also has an eye to jobs of the future like the Alabama Space Authority – which he sponsored and passed. I trust Gerald Dial and I know he will continue his record of excellence and commitment to you as Alabama’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. Gerald has dedicated his public career to a better Alabama for all. Please join me on July 17 and vote for Gerald Dial.”
State Senator Gerald Dial (R-Lineville) is a native of Clay County, Alabama. Dial is a retired coach and teacher. He is also a retired Brigadier General in the Alabama National Guard. Today he is a small businessman and timber farmer. Dial has served on the Lineville City Council. He served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1974 to 1982. Dial served in the state Senate from 1983 to 2006 and again from 2010 to the present. Dial decided not to run for re-election to the Senate and instead is running for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.
Waggoner has served almost fifty years in the Alabama House of Representatives and state Senate.
Dial is endorsed by the NRA, Alabama Citizens for Life, Senator Jim McClendon (R-Springville), and Dr. Stan Cooke.
Dial’s opponent in the Republican primary runoff is Rick Pate. Pate is the Mayor of Lowndesboro, a timber farmer, owns a beef cattle farm that is noted for its Registered Charolais cattle, and is owner of a Montgomery landscaping company.
Current Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan (R) is term limited from seeking a third term. McMillan is the Republican nominee for state Treasurer. McMillan has no general election opponent.
The Republican primary runoff for Commissioner of Agriculture is likely winner take all as no Democratic candidate qualified for the office.
