Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan released a statement Wednesday afternoon following the forced resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions earlier in the day, calling him a “true Alabama statesman” and a “warrior for President Trump’s conservative agenda.”

“A man of integrity, Jeff Sessions has led the Department of Justice with dignity and a firm commitment to the rule of law. His reputation as a dedicated public servant precedes his many years of honorable service to our nation,” Lathan said.

She continued, “From his time as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Alabama Attorney General, U.S. Senator, to the 84th Attorney General of the United States, Alabamians have strongly supported Jeff Sessions.”

“Whether it’s running into him at a restaurant, football game, or a local church service – many view Jeff Sessions as not just an elected official, but also a dear friend. In our hearts, we hold a deep sense of love and admiration for Jeff Sessions and his family,”  Lathan added.

Lathan outlined that Sessions had been leading the charge on many of Trump’s policy items.

“A true Alabama statesman, Jeff Sessions has been a warrior for President Trump’s conservative agenda,” Lathan remarked. “From enforcing our nation’s immigration laws, fighting opioid abuse to strongly supporting members of our law enforcement, Jeff Sessions has consistently made Alabama proud.”

She concluded, “His service can be most accurately summed up in our state’s motto: ‘We dare defend our rights.’ Unwavering and resolute, our country needs more public servants like Jeff Sessions. We are blessed and are stronger because of his humble sacrifices through his lifetime of service to Alabama and America.”

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn