State Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, on Monday, made his decision regarding the open Second Congressional District seat that incumbent Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, is vacating at the end of her present term.
“I will not be a candidate for Congress,” Chambliss announced on his Facebook page. “As has been reported, I have spent the last several days carefully considering a run for the Second Congressional District of Alabama. I am blessed with a supportive family that understands both the privilege and the cost of public service, and they pledged all of their efforts to the task. Supporters, colleagues and other stakeholders were equally encouraging. I am grateful to those who took my calls and made time for me during the weekend and evenings.”
“A clear path to victory was developed over the weekend, but the thought that kept returning to me is that my calling at this time is to continue working to solve the problems that we face in Alabama,” Chambliss said. “I believe that the best place for me to do that is in the Alabama State Senate.”
“Although I have been fortunate to be a part of significant progress in the State Legislature, I would be leaving several critical issues mid-stream. Therefore, I will not be a candidate for Congress,” Chambliss announced.
“Thank you to those that have contacted me. I very much appreciate the encouragement, prayer and support as we have considered this possibility,” Chambliss said in conclusion. “It is an honor and privilege to serve you in the Alabama Senate. My focus will remain in Alabama and working hard to make this great state all that she can be!”
GOP insiders told the Alabama Political Reporter that Chambliss would have been one of the frontrunners if he had entered the republican field. Some warned though that his vote to raise gas taxes would be used against him in the Republican Primary.
Former State Rep. Perry Hooper Jr., R-Montgomery, State Rep. Wes Allen, R-Troy, former Alabama Attorney General Troy King, and State Rep. Will Dismukes, R-Prattville, have all been mentioned as possible candidates.
There is presently no democratic candidate for Congress in the Second District. Tabitha Isner challenged Roby in 2018, but Isner is presently challenging Nancy Worley for chair of the Alabama Democratic Party, though the date of that election has not been set yet. Pastor Will Boyd is also running for ADP Chair.
The major party primaries will be on March 3.
