The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) on Friday announced that it had endorsed the reelection campaign of State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills).
Waggoner is a graduate of Birmingham Southern College and holds a law degree from Birmingham School of Law.
The highly respected legislator was first elected in 1966 to the Alabama House of Representatives, where served for nearly two decades until being elected to the legislature’s upper chamber in 1983.
He formerly served as Senate minority leader from 2002 to 2010 before assuming the role of Senate majority leader, a position he held for four years.
Waggoner previously played an integral part in passing legislation to form the Alabama Commission on Artificial Intelligence, for which he went on to serve as vice chair.
AFA president and CEO Chris Isaacson made mention of his longstanding friendship with the senator and his wife. He also took note of Waggoner, who is the Senate’s longest-serving Republican, playing a significant role in ushering in the era of GOP control in the legislature.
“Jabo and Marilyn have been friends of mine and this Association since I started here,” advised Isaacson. “He was part of the beginning of the Republican movement in Alabama at a time when all of the state’s Republicans could have held a meeting in a phone booth.”
He added, “He was instrumental in orchestrating the change in leadership in the State Legislature in 2010 and brought prospective candidates to our building to give them their first introduction to the Montgomery political community. We are pleased that he wants to participate in public service for four more years and proud to endorse him again for reelection.”
Waggoner is presently chairman of the powerful Senate Rules Committee, where he plays an influential role in determining the Senate’s business agenda. Additionally, the senator is vice chairman of the Senate Confirmations Committee.
Waggoner asserted that he stood ready to continue his efforts in supporting issues of importance to the forestry community.
“I am very honored to be supported by the Alabama Forestry Association. Forestry and forest products are an integral part of Alabama’s thriving economy,” said Waggoner. “As chair of the Senate Rules Committee, I appreciate the insights and analysis AFA provides on legislation that impacts this important industry. I am committed to the continued successes and job creation of our state’s forestry industry.”
Senate District 16 includes portions of Shelby and Jefferson Counties. The primary election is slated to occur on May 24, 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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