Thursday, the Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) unveiled its eighth round of endorsements for candidates seeking reelection to the Alabama House of Representatives.
State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest)
First elected in 2018, Whitt is seeking reelection to House District 6. The North Alabama district covers part of Madison and Limestone Counties. Whitt is the vice chair of the House Financial Services Committee.
The lawmaker attended Calhoun Community College and then Louisiana State University. Whitt served as vice president of First Bank of America until 2008. He went on to become vice president and Madison County executive of First National Bank, a position he presently holds.
In a statement, Whitt expressed appreciation to AFA over its endorsement of his reelection bid.
“I am honored and humbled to receive the endorsement from the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Whitt. “Their dedication to the betterment of Alabama as a whole and specifically, our important forestry industry, has proven to be of great benefit to the citizens of the State. I will continue to work hard to preserve and promote these shared beliefs.”
State Rep. Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle)
Stadthagen is seeking his second term serving House District 9, which includes portions of includes Morgan, Cullman and Marshall Counties. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Alabama and is the owner of Hagen Homes Incorporated. Stadthagen sits on the House Health, Local Legislation and State Government Committees.
Stadthagen proclaimed that the forest industry was a “major economic driver” in his district.
“It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Stadthagen. “This represents the endorsement of the hardworking men and women in an industry that is a major economic driver for my district and our state.”
State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Homewood)
Faulkner is seeking his third term representing House District 46, which covers a part of Jefferson County. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law. Faulkner has been a partner at the regional law firm of Christian Small since it was founded in 2001.
Faulkner touched on AFA’s advocacy on behalf of the timber industry and its promotion of conservative principles.
“I am very appreciative of the endorsement from the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Faulkner. “The Forestry Association represents an important resource and industry in our State, and is consistently a strong conservative voice for Alabama values. As a member of the Legislature, I am appreciative of their work and support to our great State.”
House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville)
The Madison County lawmaker has served House District 53 since 2014. Daniels, the current Democratic leader of the legislature’s lower chamber, holds an undergraduate and graduate degree from Alabama A&M University. He is currently the chief operating officer of Huntsville-based Premiere Dental.
Daniels hailed the role AFA plays in promoting policies that serve to grow the state’s economy.
“I am deeply honored to accept the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association, an organization that has served our state’s land owners and foresters to manage their businesses in a responsible and sustainable manner since 1949,” asserted Daniels. “I am grateful to have the Alabama Forestry Association as a strong ally in promoting pro-growth economic development policies throughout Alabama.”
State Rep. Jeff Sorrells (R-Geneva)
Sorrells is running for his second term representing House District 87, which encompasses Houston and Geneva Counties. Sorrells is a member of numerous committees, including the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Troy University and then went on to graduate from Samford University Community Bankers School of Banking. The lawmaker has served as vice president and lender of First National Bank of Hartford. Additionally, Sorrells has served on the board of the Wiregrass Economic Development Corporation Board and the Geneva County Gas District Board.
Sorrells thanked AFA for its support of the forest industry and advised that it had been a “privilege” working with them in the legislature.
“I am truly honored to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Sorrells. “As a member of the Agriculture and Forestry Committee in the House, it has been a privilege to have the opportunity to work with the Forestry Association’s team in protecting and growing this valuable resource in Alabama. Thank you for your commitment to ensuring this vital resource will be enjoyed by future generations. Your dedication to Alabama and our natural resources does not go unnoticed.”
AFA announced its first, second and third rounds of endorsements in February, followed by its fourth, fifth and sixth in March. The association released its seventh round of endorsements earlier this month.
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
