Tuesday, the Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) rolled out its 10th slate of endorsements for House incumbents seeking reelection to the legislature.
State Rep. Ginny Shaver (R-Leesburg)
Shaver is seeking a second term representing House District 39, which covers DeKalb, Calhoun, Cherokee and Cleburne Counties. She currently serves on the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee and is vice chair of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
For nearly two decades, Shaver served in municipal government positions for the City of Gadsden and the Town of Leesburg. She has owned Shaver Tax and Bookkeeping for almost 10 years.
In a statement, Shaver conveyed appreciation to AFA over the association’s support of her campaign.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” said Shaver. “They represent some of the hardest working men and women in my district and our state and I am thankful for their support.”
State Rep. Corley Ellis (R-Columbiana)
First elected to the legislature in a 2016 special election, Ellis is running for an additional term serving House District 41, which covers Shelby County. He is presently the vice chair of the House Insurance Committee. Ellis holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Auburn University.
The lawmaker previously served as a Shelby County commissioner and went on to become chairman of the commission. He is the owner of real estate brokerage firm Ellis Properties, Inc.
If reelected, Ellis pledged to continue his support of private property rights.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Ellis. “The forestry industry is a huge part of our state’s economy and also a huge part of the economy in House District 41 that I represent. I look forward to working with the Association in the future to protect landowners and their private property rights.”
State Rep. Brett Easterbrook (R-Fruitdale)
Easterbrook is seeking a second term representing House District 65, which includes Washington, Choctaw and Clarke Counties. His private sector experience includes working as Evonik Degussa’s plant controller and as a licensed residential contractor. He has also served as the director of finance and controlling in North America and South America for Outokumpu Stainless Steel. Easterbrook holds an accounting degree from Auburn University.
Regarding AFA’s endorsement of his campaign, Easterbrook stated, “Forestry is king in District 65.”
State Rep. Ralph Howard (D-Greensboro)
Howard is running for reelection to House District 72, which covers Perry, Marengo, Hale, Bibb and Greene Counties. He was first elected to the legislature in a 2005 special election. Howard is currently the lead Democrat on the House Military and Veteran Affairs Committee. Howard, who formerly served in the U.S. Marine Corps, holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Alabama.
Howard spoke to the economic role that the forestry industry plays in his district.
“I am grateful for the endorsement from AFA,” said Howard. “Forestry is a large economic driver in my district and employs so many people. We are blessed with a strong forestry industry in Alabama, especially in District 72. I look forward to continuing to work with Forestry.”
State Rep. Napoleon Bracy (D-Mobile)
First elected in 2010, Bracy is seeking his fourth term serving House District 98, which covers a portion of Mobile County. In 2013, he was elected to serve as chair of the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus. Bracy is the current vice chair of the House Mobile County Legislation Committee.
Bracy graduated from Dillard University of New Orleans with his bachelor’s degree and also received his honorary doctor of divinity degree from Pentecostal Bible College of Tuskegee. He is the manager of diversity, inclusion and affirmative action of Austal USA.
Bracy expressed gratitude to the association for its support of his reelection bid.
“A special thanks to the men and women of the Alabama Forestry Association for endorsing our reelection campaign,” stated Bracy. “This allows me the opportunity to continue to be a voice for the citizens of Alabama and District 98. We stand firm by our moto, Results Matter.”
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, eighth and ninth rounds of endorsements earlier this month.
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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