The Alabama Farmers Federation on Thursday endorsed State Rep. Rhett Marques in the Republican special primary for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, putting the weight of the state’s largest farm organization behind the Enterprise lawmaker ahead of the special August 11, 2026 vote.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said Marques’ background as a small business owner and his tenure in the Alabama Legislature make him a fit for the Wiregrass-anchored district.

“We are pleased to endorse Rhett Marques for the U.S. House of Representatives,” Parnell said.

“As a former small business owner and state representative since 2018, he understands the challenges facing farmers, families and businesses in the Wiregrass and surrounding area. Rhett shares many of the same Christian values as our members and has worked hard to earn the support of county Farmers Federations across the district.”

The endorsement runs through the Federation’s political arm, Alabama FarmPAC, which the organization says relies on a grassroots process built on recommendations from members in the counties represented.

The 2nd District takes in Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Pike and Russell counties, along with portions of Covington and Elmore.

Marques, who represents Alabama House District 91 and spent more than two decades running a tire and automotive business in the Wiregrass, welcomed the endorsement and pledged to be a conservative voice in Washington.

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“The Second Congressional District is the backbone of Alabama agriculture, and I am honored to have Alfa’s endorsement in our campaign to take Alabama common sense to D.C.,” Marques said.

“The Alabama Farmers Federation endorsement is a testament to my strong commitment to Alabama’s farmers, farm families and the small businesses they own and operate. In Congress, I will stand up for our Christian conservative values, slash burdensome government regulations and fight to make Washington work more like Alabama.”

Parnell paired the endorsement with a turnout push, stressing that August 11 is a fresh election for voters in four congressional districts.

“It’s critical voters in Congressional Districts 1, 2, 6 and 7 show up to polls Aug. 11,” Parnell added. “Even if you voted for a Congressional candidate in these districts in May, you will need to vote again Aug. 11. It’s important to note there will not be a runoff following the special primary election, so whoever gets the most votes will be their party’s nominee in the November general election.”

The special primary was called by Governor Kay Ivey after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared Alabama to use the congressional map drawn by state lawmakers in 2023, rather than the court-drawn lines imposed by a federal court in the 2024 elections.

Along with Marques, the Federation endorsed former Congressman Jerry Carl in the 1st District and U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) in the 6th District.

The ALFA nod is the latest for Marques, who recently picked up the backing of the Alabama Forestry Association and led the field in an early poll of the primary under its latest redistricting conditions.