Alabama Forestry Association endorses Bryan Taylor in Chief Justice race

On Monday, the Alabama Forestry Association’s political arm, ForestPAC, made their endorsement in the race for Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.

Representing Alabama’s forestry community, including manufacturers, landowners, loggers, and industry, the group wields significant influence in Montgomery and across the state. While other groups have withheld their endorsement in the Chief Justice race in particular — ForestPAC announced their support for Bryan Taylor.

“I have known Bryan for nearly 20 years and I know that he is very familiar with issues affecting timberland owners and forest product manufacturers,” said AFA President and CEO, Chris Isaacson.

“His experience in the Alabama Senate crafting laws and working in the Governor’s office administering the laws gives him a unique set of qualifications that he will be able to utilize in his role within the judicial branch. He will bring a judicial philosophy to the Supreme Court that embodies the principle that the judiciary should strictly interpret laws as they are actually created by the Legislative Branch. I am pleased that we are providing this endorsement, and we look forward to him stepping into this new role.”

Taylor, a former Alabama State Senator and Chief Legal Advisor to Governor Ivey, currently works in private practice, focusing on Constitutional law and appeals, election law, business litigation and public policy. He served in the United States Army for 21 years as a military prosecutor, an Iraq War veteran, and an Army Judge Advocate.

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Taylor.

“Like me, they are strong supporters of the conservative values that have always made America great — values like freedom, limited government, fiscal responsibility, and private property rights. We also share the belief that judges should follow the law as written and not legislate from the bench. The support of the Forestry Association and other conservative organizations has ignited this grassroots campaign.”

In a post thanking the influential group, Taylor dubbed the endorsement the “litmus test” of a true conservative.

Thrilled and honored to receive this endorsement! Republican voters know that @AlForestry’s support is THE litmus test for which candidate is the true conservative! Thank you! #alpolitics #BryanTaylorforChiefJustice https://t.co/TC6GBuvngU

— Bryan Taylor (@BryanTaylorAL) February 5, 2024

Taylor will face Associate Supreme Court Justice Sarah Stewart in the March 5, 2024 Republican primary to determine who will become Chief Justice after Chief Justice Tom Parker.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270