Monday, the Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) announced its third slate of endorsements for incumbents seeking reelection for the Alabama House of Representatives.
State Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur)
Collins, who is seeking her third term serving House District 8, is chair of the House Education Policy Committee and sits on the Education Ways and Means Committee. The district Collins serves includes a portion of Morgan County.
Prior to her election to the legislature in 2010, Collins served 16 years in the banking industry.
In a statement praising AFA, Collins touted the association’s contributions to the state.
“I am honored to be endorsed by the forest industry” stated Collins. “They provide jobs, career paths, and are excellent citizens for Alabama.”
State Rep. Jim Carns (R-Vestavia Hills)
Carns first began serving House District 48 in 2011. The district includes parts of Jefferson and Shelby Counties. Carns chairs the House Commerce and Small Business Committee and the Jefferson County Legislation Committee.
Carns expressed appreciation to AFA for its endorsement of his reelection bid and spoke to the partnership he holds with the association.
“I am grateful to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Carns. “I appreciate our long, working relationship as we work to together to improve the state as we face vital issues. I look forward to working with them by being reelected in the upcoming election cycle.”
State Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road)
Ingram is seeking reelection to House District 75, which encompasses parts of Montgomery and Elmore Counties. Ingram, who has served the district since 2014, sits on the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee and chairs the County and Municipal Government Committee.
The legislator owns SweetCreek Farm Market and Ingram Motor Company in Montgomery County.
Ingram in a statement called AFA an “economic diver” for the state of Alabama.
“I am honored to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Ingram. “Their continuing support is truly appreciated. Forestry is an economic driver for our state and I always enjoy working with AFA to ensure that Forestry is an economic sector that continues to thrive.”
State Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan)
Lee is looking to serve his fourth term representing House District 86, which covers a portion of Houston County. Lee is the executive director of Dothan-based Wiregrass Rehab Center. He chairs the House Health Committee and sits on the General Fund Committee and Legislative Council.
Lee thanked AFA for its endorsement of his candidacy and made mention of the state’s robust forestry industry.
“I want to thank the Alabama Forestry Association for their endorsement,” said Lee. “Our forest industry, not only makes our state beautiful, it is a valuable natural resource carefully maintained by the Alabama Forestry Association, Alabama’s foresters, landowners and forest product employees.”
State Rep. Matt Simpson (R-Daphne)
Simpson, who represents House District 86, serves as freshman representative of the House Republican Caucus. First elected to the legislature in 2018, Simpson previously worked with the Baldwin County and Mobile County District Attorney’s Office.
The lawmaker is the former chair of the Baldwin County Republican Party.
Simpson expressed gratitude to AFA for its working in advocating for the state’s timber industry.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Simpson. “Forest products are critical to a thriving Alabama economy and I appreciate all that AFA does for our timber industry across the state.”
Earlier this month, AFA released its first and second rounds of House endorsements.
The primary election will take place on May 24, 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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