The Alabama Farmers Federation on Tuesday endorsed six Republican statewide candidates seeking re-election to the state House and Senate.
The group endorsed state Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, for Alabama House District 18, which covers all of Franklin County and a portion of Colbert County. Kiel owns Kiel Equipment in Russellville and graduated from Northwest Shoals Community College and the University of North Alabama. Kiel serves on the UNA Foundation Board of Directors.
“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Farmers Federation,” Kiel said in a statement. “I am excited about continuing to represent the needs of our farmers and everyone in District 18 as well.”
Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Indian Springs, received ALFA’s endorsement for Alabama House District 43 in Shelby County.
“Rep. Mooney is a hard-working representative who takes our voices and our concerns to Montgomery,” said John DeLoach, Shelby County Farmers Federation president, in a statement. “He shares our values and our work ethic, and we fully support him.”
Mooney received undergraduate and graduate degrees in history and political science at Samford University and is an associate broker with Southeast Commercial Partners.
“It is humbling to receive the endorsement of Alabama’s farmers,” Mooney said in a statement. “It is an honor to represent their needs and concerns in the Legislature because agriculture is such a huge part of our state.”
ALFA endorsed state Sen. Tom Butler, R-Madison, for Senate District 2, which covers all or portions of Limestone and Madison counties. Butler received his bachelor of science in biology and chemistry from the University of Alabama and his certificate in medical technology and pharmacy degree from Auburn University.
“Being endorsed by our farmers in this district is always a compliment,” Butler said in a statement. “I look forward to being a voice for them in the Senate.”
Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, received ALFA’s endorsement for House District 8 in Morgan County.
“Rep. Collins has been a tremendous attribute to the citizens of House District 8,” said Mark Byrd, Morgan County Farmers Federation president, in a statement. “We know she will continue to represent the needs of our farmers and all the people of this district well in Montgomery.”
Collins has an undergraduate degree in marketing from the University of Alabama and spent 16 years in banking as vice president of marketing and sales before being elected to the House of Representatives.
In the Alabama Senate District 6 race, ALFA endorsed Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia. He is the owner of Colbert OB/GYN.
“It is an honor to receive this endorsement, and I will continue to work hard to represent the farmers and businesses of my district,” Stutts said in a statement. “It is an honor to have the support of Alabama farmers.”
ALFA endorsed Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, for Senate District 14, which covers all of Bibb County and parts of Chilton and Shelby counties. Weaver received a bachelor of science in administration from the University of Alabama, her R.N. degree from Shelton State Community College and an M.B.A. with a concentration in healthcare administration from Independence University. She is a certified legal nurse consultant.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the farmers of my district,” Weaver said in a statement. “I grew up in a farming family, and I appreciate agriculture and know the needs of the farmers of my district. I look forward to working with the Federation to continue to bring positive change to District 14.”
