State Sen. Will Barfoot is putting Montgomery public safety and police staffing at the center of a new campaign ad as the November election approaches.

The 30-second spot highlights Barfoot’s family ties to law enforcement, noting that three of his uncles served as police officers and his father patrolled the streets of Montgomery.

“We’re in a police crisis. We’ve lost almost half our officers,” the ad says. “Will Barfoot knows families need to feel safe. And he’s working to make that happen.”

Barfoot closes the ad by saying, “Backing the blue is in my blood. I’d appreciate your vote, and let’s take back Montgomery.”

The message follows Barfoot’s push during this year’s legislative session to address staffing levels at the Montgomery Police Department.

Barfoot sponsored SB298, which would have required certain large municipal police departments to maintain at least 1.9 full-time officers per 1,000 residents. Cities falling below that threshold would have been given five years to increase staffing before potentially becoming subject to Alabama Law Enforcement Agency oversight. The bill passed the Senate but died when the House adjourned without taking a vote.

During debate over the legislation, Barfoot estimated Montgomery had roughly 220 to 230 officers, compared with about 381 needed to meet the bill’s staffing standard. Montgomery police declined to publicly release its current staffing figure, citing safety concerns.

City officials strongly opposed the proposal, calling it an unfunded state mandate and arguing that Montgomery’s public safety strategy was producing results. The city reported that violent crime fell more than 25% in 2025, although Montgomery recorded 61 homicides, the same number as the previous year.

Barfoot represents Senate District 25 and is seeking another term in November against Democratic nominee Phadra Carson Foster.

Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].