Former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich announced on Monday his endorsement of State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R – Vestavia Hills) for a new term in the Alabama State Senate.
Gingrich’s full endorsement statment read:
“Sen. Jabo Waggoner is an icon of the conservative movement in Alabama. He helped open the door that transformed the state into a Republican stronghold for the last several decades,” Gingrich said. “From defending traditional values to demanding commonsense budget practices to replacing the failed Democrat policies of the past with modern conservative reforms, Jabo has always led the way. This is why I asked him to serve as chairman of my presidential campaign in Alabama in 2012, and it is why I am proud to call him my friend.”
Gingrich continued, “Sen. Waggoner continues to be a leading voice bringing conservative change to Montgomery, and for all of the reasons noted above, he has earned a new term in the Alabama State Senate.”
Waggoner offered his appreciation for the support from Gingrich and noted their long history and association.
“Just as Speaker Gingrich led the Republican takeover of the U.S. Congress in 1994 following 40 consecutive years of Democrat rule, I was proud to play a part in Republicans capturing supermajorities in the Alabama House and Senate in 2010 following 136 years of Democrat control,” Waggoner said. “Speaker Gingrich remains a powerful and influential voice in conservative Republican circles, and I am proud to consider him a longtime friend and advisor.”
When the GOP won a legislative supermajority following the 2010 statewide elections, Waggoner was selected as the first Republican majority leader in Alabama history as the office did not exist during the Reconstruction era. He was also selected as chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.
Currently serving his eighth term in the State Senate, Waggoner was originally elected to the Alabama House in 1966 and remained in that body until 1983, when he officially switched to the Republican Party and ran an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Congress.
He was elected to the State Senate in 1990 and continues to serve in the upper chamber today.
Waggoner and his wife, Marilyn, have been married for 67 years, and they are devoted members of the Homewood Church of Christ.
