Rick Pate, Alabama’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, announced today that he will run for Lieutenant Governor in the 2026 election.
Pate was expected to run for Governor of Alabama this election cycle, but dropped down to Lt. Governor as he was term-limited as Ag Commissioner, citing a close personal friendship with U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), who opted to run for governor in 2026.
Pate says he intends to continue his public service advocating for farmers, small businesses, rural communities, and veterans.
“I’ve spent my life working the land, running a business, and serving my neighbors,” said Pate.
“As Lieutenant Governor, I’ll bring that same hands-on leadership to supporting President Trump and Coach Tuberville in advancing the American First Agenda—so Alabama stays a place where families thrive, agriculture prospers, and conservative values lead the way.”
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Pate grew up on his family’s cattle farm in Lowndes County. He earned a degree in horticulture from Auburn University in 1978 and founded Pate Landscape Co., which he operated for 38 years and served as mayor of Lowndesboro for 14 years before being elected Agriculture Commissioner in 2018. He was re-elected without any major party opposition in 2022.
During his tenure as Commissioner, Pate launched the “Sweet Grown Alabama” branding program to promote local agricultural products, expanded the state’s Farm-to-School initiative, and led the “Thank a Farmer” campaign to increase public appreciation for farmers.
He also oversaw the opening of a new Pesticide Residue Lab in Auburn and secured funding to support Alabama’s meat and poultry inspection programs.
Rick has served as the President of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture and was elected as an RNC delegate and one of the nine Alabama Electoral College electors for President Donald J. Trump in both 2020 and 2024.
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“Food security is national security,” Pate said. “Our farmers are frontline workers and often underappreciated, and I’m committed to ensuring they have the support they need to feed Alabama and beyond.”
Pate enters a growing Republican field for Lieutenant Governor, including incumbent Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, Nicole Wadsworth, and potentially, Alabama Republican Party Chairman, John Wahl.
Pate reported he had $134,529.45 cash on hand in his campaign account for Ag Commissioner earlier this year, which can be purposed toward his run for Lt. Governor in 2026.
The Alabama primary elections will be held on May 19, 2026.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
