The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) on Monday announced its endorsement of State Sen. Garlan Gudger’s (R-Cullman) reelection campaign for the Alabama State Senate, District 4.
Gudger, a Cullman native, holds a bachelor’s degree in building science from Auburn University with a minor in business.
Upon graduating college, Gudger returned to Cullman to run his family’s business, Southern Accents Architectural Antiques, which he continues to operate today. He went on to become the youngest individual elected to the Cullman City Council in 2004. Four years later, he was elected as council president.
AFA president and CEO Chris Isaacson praised Gudger for his service in the legislature’s upper chamber, where he said the senator has supported forestry-related issues.
“Garlan’s dedication to serving his family and community aligns perfectly with the values that our members live out each day,” said Isaacson. “Just like Alabama’s landowners and forest business owners, he has committed to making his community and district a better place through his public service and the legislation that he has supported is proof of that. We are pleased to stand with him in his bid for reelection.”
AFA noted Gudger’s efforts to grow the state’s workforce and attract industry to Alabama. The freshman senator sits on the Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee and is vice chairman of the Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee.
Gudger touted the role AFA plays in promoting pro-growth policies in the association’s governmental affairs activities.
“I am honored to be endorsed by such a quality association that represents the voice of Forestry throughout Alabama,” said Gudger. “As a business owner that deals with a wide range of wood products daily, I am thankful for their positive influence on political, regulatory, educational and legal processes at every level of government to ensure the entrepreneurial spirit of this industry succeeds.
He added, “This endorsement proves that we have a positive working relationship with direct communication. I will continue to work in Montgomery to help my constituents in District 4 and all the people of Alabama.”
Senate District 4 covers all or parts of Lawrence, Marion, Winston and Cullman Counties. 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
