The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed Republican Jay Hovey in the State Senate District 27 race, the organization announced Tuesday.
“It is an honor to be endorsed by some of the hardest-working people in Alabama,” said Hovey. “We share the same work ethic and the same conservative values, and I look forward to working for them and all the people of Senate District 27 to make this district a better place to live and work.”
Hovey, who represents Ward 7 on the Auburn City Council, defeated State Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) by a single vote in the GOP primary election. Senate District 27 encompasses Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa Counties.
A mortgage loan originator with Auburn Bank, Hovey is a lieutenant governor’s appointee to the Alabama Small Business Advisory Commission. He also serves as a member of the United Way, Kiwanis Club and Auburn Chamber of Commerce.
An endorsement from ALFA is widely seen across the state as being one of great significance. The influential agriculture advocacy organization holds a membership roll of over 340,000, which includes representation from all 67 counties in the state of Alabama.
ALFA utilizes its political arm, FarmPAC, in the endorsement of candidates seeking election to statewide and local offices.
The district’s county Farmers Federation presidents released statements hailing the organization’s endorsement of Hovey.
Lee County Farmers Federation President Jamie Lazenby praised Hovey for his service on the Auburn City Council.
“Jay Hovey has been an outstanding leader as a member of our city council,” said Lazenby. “We know he will take our conservative values to Montgomery to continue his same excellent level of leadership.
Becky Martin, Russell County Farmers Federation president, touted Hovey as “an outstanding leader.”
“Jay Hovey is an outstanding leader and will represent the agricultural community well in the Senate,” said Martin. “We look forward to working with him.”
According to Tallapoosa County Farmers Federation President Jacob Hodnett, Hovey understands issues of importance to Alabama’s agricultural community.
“Jay Hovey is a hard worker who has given back to his community in numerous ways including serving on the city council,” said Hodnett. “He knows the importance of agriculture in Alabama and will represent us well in Montgomery.”
Hovey will face Democrat Sherri Reese in the Nov. 8 general election.
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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