On Tuesday morning, State Sen. Tom Butler announced formally that he will not seek re-election in 2026.

Butler was joined by fellow lawmakers, local officials, and longtime friends who gathered to honor his decades-long Alabama legislative career.

“This is a sad day – and a happy day,” Butler (R-Madison) said. “Sad for me, happy for my wife. She was doing a little dance this morning.”

Butler, 81, a pharmacist by trade, who was first elected to the Alabama House in 1982, has served a total of more than 40 years in the state legislature across both chambers and parties.

“I have enjoyed my tenure in the House and the Senate,” he told those gathered. “We have been able to do a few things that are positive… but I still have a year and a half left in service to the state, and I intend to make the most of that. I’m not going to be a lame duck – I’m going to be out swimming the rest of them.”

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Butler was praised by friends and colleagues on Tuesday for his influence, mentorship, and dedication to the people of Madison County and the State of Alabama.

State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville), one of the youngest members of the Alabama Legislature, introduced the speakers, as well as Butler himself, who Lomax commended for a “career built on public service and steadfast leadership.”

State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and former Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon reflected on Butler’s leadership in the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) process – which has wielded a historically instrumental role in Redstone Arsenal and long positioned North Alabama for future economic growth.

“You had the ability to have the vision of what could be based on what we were dealing with at the time,” McCutcheon said. “And now we see that vision has come true. You’ve left a legacy behind.”

State Sen. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab) called Butler “a true statesman.”

“He’s someone who’s made a difference, not just for Madison County and for this region, but for the entire state of Alabama. He took me under his wing when I moved up to the Senate. He’s not just a colleague – he’s a friend,” Kitchens said.

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State Rep. Laura Hall (D-Huntsville) recalled how Butler welcomed her into the legislature by giving her his own Alabama House member lapel pin. But what stood out most, she said, was a story from one of their constituents.

“She told me, ‘I can call him at midnight, 3 a.m., about the children I’m taking care of, and he will get out of his bed and make sure they get their medication,’” Hall said. “That was a beautiful tribute to you, and I’ve always respected you for that.”

In his remarks, Butler reflected on that story. “Those kind of stories – that’s the story of service. That’s what I’m about,” he said.

One of Butler’s most well-known legislative achievements – requiring Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in schools and public buildings – was born from a deeply personal experience.

After suffering a cardiac arrest during a walk near his home, Butler’s life was saved by a defibrillator placed at the Madison Fire Department – the very first one he had helped procure as part of his advocacy for AEDs.

“We’ve had many, many saves with that program,” Butler said, referencing the loss of a 14-year-old student in Madison as another source of motivation. “We put those defibrillators statewide… and one of the lives they saved was my own.”

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State Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest) credited Butler’s leadership with saving countless lives, and said he impressed on him

“He’s a humble giant. His shoes will be very difficult to fill,” Whitt said. “You’ve been a mentor to me for 40 years.”

Nearly every speaker recalled the personal impact Butler had on their lives and careers. State Rep. Phillip Rigsby (R-Huntsville), also a pharmacist, said Butler was the first to suggest he run for office.
“He gave me his card, wrote his number on the back, and said, ‘Pharmacists make great politicians.’ I still have that card,” Rigsby said. “It’s because of you that I said yes to this.”

Butler, true to form, closed his remarks by saying, “Call me anytime I can help you.”

Butler’s decision not to seek re-election will open up Alabama Senate District 2, which includes portions of Madison and Limestone counties, for the 2026 cycle. The Alabama Republican Party primary election will be held on May 19, 2026.