Left-wing historical revisionism is nothing new, and it should surprise no one that the leftist Democrats of Alabama once again resurrected this playbook for a, seemingly, apolitical race like Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.

Their attempts to hide their radicalism and almost appear normal, complete with endorsements by has-been “Republicans” exposes their desperation. Yet the fabrication of history is not exclusive to Alabama Democrats and left-wing media outlets. Ron Sparks also bears responsibility. Stalin would be proud.

When John McMillan was elected in 2010, he did not inherit an ADAI that was, supposedly, run by “the best Ag Commissioner in Alabama history,” as some pundits and social media bots claim of Sparks.

Instead, ADAI was known to be cash poor, bloated with excessive staffing, and burdened with buildings and equipment weakened by poor maintenance and neglect.

McMillan had already established a reputation for managerial efficiency as well as success in keeping property taxes low. When the disastrous 2003 Amendment One tax package was soundly defeated by Republicans, McMillan was credited for leading the charge, not Commissioner Sparks.

When McMillan took over as Commissioner, he restored ADAI’s financial security;

Enter Rick Pate in 2019. Building upon McMillan’s successes, Pate quickly developed the successful Sweet Grown Alabama program, Farm-to-School initiative, new Pesticide Lab in Auburn, the “Healthy You, Healthy Farm” mental health program, the pro-Veterans “Operation Grow” farming program and secured over $14M in grants to support our state food banks and low-income schools. A former mayor, farmer, and solid conservative, Rick Pate accomplished all this, and more, while he kept expenses low and services high.

With over 15 years of seeing successful conservative Republicans build and modernize one of the best Departments of Agriculture in the country, they did not raise taxes, create burdensome regulations, grow the size of government, or even allow weights and measures to suffer, as Sparks falsely claims.

Enter Corey Hill. His business acumen was fashioned early in life as he worked in his family’s grocery store, which he runs to this day. His connection to the land and animals is not a PR stunt. Corey is a real cattle and poultry farmer, respected by other farmers state and nationwide.

Serving as the mayor of Douglas, Corey honed his administrative and leadership skills while working with local, state, and federal government agencies.

Corey Hill is THE choice of farmers, cattlemen, grocers, and many other experts not because there is an “R” next to his name. Ron Sparks is not being dismissed because of the “D” next to his. Farmers do not have time to waste on petty politics. They support Results. Real expertise. Courage.

Sparks had his time, and I am thankful that time is long over. Corey Hill is the future.

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Democrats and leftist media groups can choose to hide from the reality that is their weak and radical line-up of candidates. Choosing to distract us with their “moderate” former Ag Commissioner will not work. Choosing to remain a Democrat in 2026 is a very different mindset from choosing the party in 2006, and Ron Sparks abandoned any notion of moderation when he chose to remain loyal to the radical party of today.

Fortunately, Alabamians cannot be so easily fooled by revisionist history. Thanks to excellent public servants such as John McMillan and Rick Pate, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries is well-prepared to not only survive today’s challenges but thrive under the expertise and leadership of Corey Hill.

Christine Carr is an Advanced Practice Nurse of 30 years and has served private and public organizations as a medical advisor, health care advocate, parental nutrition coach, and drug prevention speaker. She is also a mother of four and advocates for the nutritional impacts of food on pediatric and mental health.