A husband and wife team in the Alabama legislature?
It’s a heck of a storyline, and sources say it will become a legitimate possibility on Monday when Susan Hightower, wife of State Sen. Bill Hightower, R-Mobile, announces that she’s running for the State House of Representatives in District 104.
Mrs. Hightower will be vying for the House seat vacated by former Rep. Jim Barton, R-Mobile, who resigned earlier this month to join lobbying firm Kinney Capitol Group.
Sen. Bill Hightower, R-Mobile, won his State Senate seat in a special election last year, replacing Ben Brooks who left the legislature after being elected Mobile County circuit judge.
Insiders say that GOP consultant Chris Brown, who guided Sen. Hightower’s successful campaign, will also come on board to manage Mrs. Hightower’s bid for the state house.
Mobile Bay Transportation founder Margie Wilcox has also declared her intent to run for the seat, and is widely considered to be a strong candidate.
With the resources both of these women will be able to muster, this is set to be a fierce battle for the GOP nomination.
The special primary election is set to take place on Tuesday, Oct. 15. District 104 is a solidly Republican district. Barton had represented the district for the past 13 years.
UPDATE: Susan Hightower officially announced her candidacy this morning.
“I believe I have a unique perspective that will help the residents of House District 104,” Hightower said in a statement. “I have run businesses. I am a mother and grandmother, and I will bring the voice of a strong conservative woman to Montgomery.”
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.