Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon announced Monday that he won’t seek re-election.
In an email to House members Monday, obtained by APR, the speaker announced his plans to retire from politics “after many hours of prayer and family discussion.”
“This decision to not seek reelection is a result of my age, my wife and family. At the end of my current term, Deb and I will be entering our 70’s. We are both in good health and we would like to make the most of our golden years,” McCutcheon wrote. “As many of your know, I will not have idle hands but there will be more time to work in the barn and watch the sunset. I will remain active in our local community and busy checking off many ‘honey do’ items that have accumulated over the past decade.”
McCutcheon said he would continue to remain House speaker through the 2022 election and the election of a new speaker.
“Despite our political views, we are all working together and making progress for the people of Alabama. We have been through many difficult days and worked through many difficult issues, but through it all we have been successful. I am confident I have done what God has expected of me in this role!” McCutcheon wrote.
McCutcheon has served as speaker since 2016 when he replaced former Speaker Mike Hubbard, who was removed from office and convicted on several counts of ethics violations.
“It has been a privilege to work with Speaker McCutcheon over the years. He has been an effective leader in the House as our two bodies have worked together in delivering important results for our state,” said Senate Pro Tem Greg Reed, R-Jasper, in a statement. “I have great respect for him and his service to the state of Alabama, and I appreciate his friendship. I wish the Speaker the best as he begins this next chapter of his life, and I look forward to continuing our strong working relationship for the duration of his term.”
“Mac McCutcheon returned stability to the Speaker’s Office following a period of intense controversy and scrutiny, and he led the House with both fairness and an overriding sense of integrity.
House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, in a statement Monday said McCutcheon worked to ensure that the voices of all members “regardless of rank or party affiliation” were given the opportunity to be heard.
“Alabama has made great strides in education, economic development, protecting the unborn, and other areas under Speaker McCutcheon’s watch, and I am certain even more accomplishments await during the 16 months left in his tenure,” Ledbetter said. “History will judge that Mac McCutcheon served his state and its citizens both well and faithfully, which is the greatest legacy a public servant can leave behind.”
McCutcheon’s letter in full is included below.
Honorable Representatives,
It is with bittersweet emotions and sincere gratitude that I inform you of my plans for District 25 House of Representatives reelection. After many hours of prayer and family discussion, I have decided that I will not seek another term in the Alabama House of Representatives.
I know there has been speculation for the past few weeks regarding the future of District 25 and it is important that each of you hear the news directly from me regarding my intentions before I make a public announcement.
This decision to not seek reelection is a result of my age, my wife and family. At the end of my current term, Deb and I will be entering our 70’s. We are both in good health and we would like to make the most of our golden years.
As many of your know, I will not have idle hands but there will be more time to work in the barn and watch the sunset. I will remain active in our local community and busy checking off many “honey do” items that have accumulated over the past decade.
When I was elected as your Speaker, it became one of the greatest honors of my life and it has been a privilege to serve our great State in my Legislative positions. Even as a candidate for Speaker, I had a vision to help us through a difficult time, but never intended for this to be a permanent role.
I believe in this Legislative Body and believe in each of you. I care deeply for you and am blessed for all of the great memories I will carry with me! Words cannot express the rewarding and fulfilling feeling to sit in the Speaker’s Chair and watch each of you work through the Legislative process.
Despite our political views, we are all working together and making progress for the people of Alabama. We have been through many difficult days and worked through many difficult issues, but through it all we have been successful. I am confident I have done what God has expected of me in this role!
Whenever there is an announcement of a change in leadership, individuals will step up and pounce on the opportunity to lead. I respect the courageous effort and applaud their willingness to be challenged. I ask that we be mindful of our role(s) through this term and the Leadership we have in place.
Let’s stay the course and finish this last Legislative Session together! I will continue to be your Speaker through the 2022 election and the election of your new Speaker. I am confident we will finish strong and continue to serve the people of Alabama!
Serving you,
Mac McCutcheon
