Tuesday, the Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) announced its sixth slate of endorsements for candidates seeking reelection to the Alabama House of Representatives.
State Rep. Phillip Pettus (R-Killen)
Pettus is seeking his third term representing House District 1, which covers Lauderdale County. The lawmaker is chair of the House Fiscal Responsibility Committee. Pettus served 25 years as an Alabama state trooper and retired at the rank of captain.
In a statement, Pettus spoke to AFA’s conservative advocacy.
“I’m proud to have the endorsement of a conservative, pro-business organization like the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Pettus. “Like me, they believe in limited government, individual rights, and traditional values. I’m glad to have their support.”
State Rep. Ben Robbins (R-Sylacauga)
After winning in a special election last year, Robbins is seeking a full term serving House District 33, which encompasses portions of Clay, Coosa and Talladega Counties. Robbins is a Mississippi State University alum and graduate of St. Thomas University Law School.
If reelected, Robbins pledged to continue his support of the state’s timber industry.
“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Robbins. “The timber industry is one of the largest sectors of the economy in my district and in the State. I will continue to work hard on behalf of the thousands of individuals directly and indirectly employed by the timber industry.”
State Rep. Prince Chestnut (D-Selma)
Chestnut is running for reelection to House District 67, which covers all of Dallas County and a portion of Perry County. Chestnut is the lead Democrat on the House Urban and Rural Development Committee.
The lawmaker is the owner of Chestnut Law and holds nearly two decades’ worth of experience in the legal profession. He also serves as the presiding municipal court judge for the City of Selma.
Chestnut expressed gratitude toward AFA over its endorsement of his reelection campaign.
“It is an honor to be endorsed by the Association, which represents Forestry throughout the State of Alabama,” stated Chestnut. “Forestry is important to my district and brings value to Alabama’s rural economy. I appreciate the support and confidence the Association has placed in me.”
State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham)
Paschal is seeking reelection representing House District 73, which includes a part of Shelby County. The U.S. Army veteran won a historic special election last year as he became the first black Republican to be elected to the Alabama Legislature since Reconstruction.
Paschal touched on the significance of the timber industry in his district.
“I’m very thankful to receive the endorsement of AFA,” Paschal said. “Forestry is a very important industry in Alabama. It employs thousands of people across Alabama, including many in Shelby County. I appreciate AFA’s continued support. I look forward to working with them by being elected to a full-term in the general election for Alabama House of Representatives District 73 on November 8, 2022.”
State Rep. Chris Blackshear (R-Phenix City)
Blackshear is running for a second term representing House District 80, which covers parts of Lee and Russell Counties. He presently serves as chair of the House Financial Services Committee. Prior to his election to the legislature, Blackshear sat on the Phenix City Council and briefly served as mayor pro tempore.
Blackshear advised that he would continue to partner with AFA to promote conservative policies in his second term.
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Blackshear. “The forestry industry is a vital economic driver of our state and I look forward to continuing my work with AFA in keeping Alabama a small government, pro-business state.”
AFA announced its first, second and third rounds of endorsements in February, followed by its fourth and fifth earlier this month.
The primary election will be held on May 24, 2022.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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