The Alabama Forestry Association announced its endorsement of Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter in their upcoming 2026 re-election campaigns.
Pro Tem Gudger (R-Cullman), who was first elected to the Alabama Senate in 2018 and won reelection unopposed in 2022, currently serves as President Pro Tempore after being unanimously selected by his Senate colleagues in 2025.
He and his wife, Heather, have two sons. Outside the Legislature, Gudger and his wife own Southern Accents, a family-founded architectural salvage business in Cullman.
“The Alabama Forestry Association is deeply rooted in conservative beliefs, principles, and ideals, so earning its seal of approval speaks volumes,” Gudger said.
“Low taxes, traditional values, and limited government are just a few of the commonsense policies that we share and promote.”
Speaker Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) has represented District 24 since 2014 and became the state’s 67th Speaker of the House in 2022.
He previously served as House Republican Majority Leader starting in 2017, becoming the first freshman lawmaker to hold the post. Before entering the Legislature, Ledbetter worked in the electrical co-op industry and held municipal leadership roles in Rainsville. He and his wife, Teresa, have two sons and four grandchildren.
“I am honored to receive the Alabama Forestry Association’s endorsement,” Ledbetter said. “Simply put, Alabama’s logging companies, sawmills, paper mills, and the men and women who operate them are the heartbeat of Alabama’s economy. Supporting this vital industry will always be a top priority, and I look forward to continuing to work with the AFA to drive growth, protect jobs, and deliver results.”
“Leadership involves conceiving and providing direction toward a goal through motivation and fostering collaboration,” said Chris Isaacson, AFA President and CEO.
“Thankfully, we have legislative leadership that is focused on making Alabama a better place to live, work and raise a family. Pro Tem Gudger and Speaker Ledbetter have the skills necessary for leadership and the capacity to craft and pass legislative solutions to address the many issues facing our state. These leaders are committed to supporting our industry as we continue to be a strong economic driver in rural Alabama. Our membership appreciates them and we are excited to provide this endorsement and look forward to working with them over the next four years.”
Both Gudger and Ledbetter are seeking re-election in 2026. The primary election is set for May 19, 2026.
AFA represents Alabama’s forestry community, including manufacturers, landowners, loggers, and forestry professionals. The organization focuses on supporting the state’s forestry sector through advocacy and policy engagement.
Forests cover more than two-thirds of Alabama, supporting the state’s second largest manufacturing sector. Forestry generates $36 billion in total economic output annually.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
