Manufacture Alabama has endorsed State Senator Jack Williams (R-Wilmer) for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, on the ballot in 2026.
“Manufacture Alabama endorses Jack Williams because of his strong record supporting our industry during his time in the Alabama Legislature and his deep understanding of the importance of a positive business climate on our state’s economy,” said Jon Barganier, President of Manufacture Alabama.
“Senator Williams has worked tirelessly to support Alabama’s businesses and ensure that both agriculture and manufacturing are able to thrive. His proven leadership and commitment to serving the people of Alabama make him the right choice to lead the Department of Agriculture and Industries.”
Williams is the State Senator in Northern Mobile County. He is a retired nursery operator.
Williams has represented Senate District 34 since 2018 and was previously a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from Mobile’s 102nd District, serving from 2014 to 2018.
In 2024, Williams sponsored legislation to ban the manufacture, sale, or distribution of lab-grown meat in Alabama. The bill passed the Alabama legislature and was signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey.
Williams is a lifelong resident of Wilmer, Alabama and a fourth-generation farmer. He has fought in the legislature for the rights of Alabama’s farmers, small business owners, and rural communities for over a decade.
Sen. Williams and his wife Bobbie have been married for 50 years. Together, they built J Bar W Farm, a family-run operation focused on cattle, timber, and hay production. In 1986, they expanded into the nursery business, founding Twin Oaks Nursery in Wilmer. The success of that company led to their acquisition of Tom Dodd Nurseries in Semmes, growing the business into one of the largest nursery operations in the country. Today, their son, John, owns and manages the nursery, while their grandson, Mica, manages day-to-day operations at the cattle farm.
Throughout his service in the Alabama Legislature, Jack has been a consistent voice for conservative values. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee, as well as the Banking and Insurance Committee.
Williams led the charge to ban lab-grown meat, cut taxes on agricultural fencing, and legalize baiting for deer and feral pig hunting. Williams has proven to be a trusted friend to Alabama’s cattlemen, foresters, producers, and small business owners. Most recently.
Williams sponsored and passed legislation that brings relief to truck drivers. His bill restricts state law enforcement from detaining more than five trucks on the roadside at one time and allows drivers to appeal an overweight citation should they be found to be within the legal limit at a fixed body scale.
As a successful businessman and a longtime public servant, Williams has dedicated his career to advancing Alabama’s economic and community interests.
He has built strong relationships with business leaders, farmers, and manufacturers, and is committed to ensuring that Alabama retains a competitive, pro-business environment where both agriculture and industry thrive.
“Some of the best products in the world are manufactured, produced, and grown right here in Alabama, and I am honored to have the endorsement of the industry that knows that best,” said Senator Jack Williams. “Our farmers and our manufacturers depend on fair markets and strong infrastructure. As Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, I will support President Trump’s trade policies and make sure Alabama industries can compete and win.”
Williams is running in the May 19, 2026 Republican primary for the open seat of Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. Current Commissioner Rick Pate is term-limited and constitutionally barred from running for a third consecutive term. Pate is instead running for the open seat of Lt. Governor.
Williams is opposed by Baldwin County businessperson Christina Woerner McInnis and Mayor Corey Hill of Marshal County’s Town of Douglas.
Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected]
