U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) has chosen her preferred replacement to represent Alabama’s Second Congressional District, and it is Dothan businessman Jeff Coleman.
“I fully support Jeff Coleman to be our next Congressman. Jeff Coleman is a businessman who supports cutting government regulation and lowering taxes to help grow a strong economy. Jeff strongly supports our men and women serving in uniform, as well as our veterans,” said Roby in a statement provided by the Coleman campaign.
Coleman is currently in a primary runoff election against former State Representative Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) to be the Republican nominee in the heavily conservative district.
Roby was first elected to represent the Second District in 2010 and has served five terms in Congress. She voluntarily chose not to seek reelection in 2020.
According to political insider speaking to Yellowhammer News, Roby’s current approval rating hovers in the high 60s on a districtwide average and is even higher in the Wiregrass region.
“I am humbled and honored to receive this strong endorsement from Representative Roby. She has been a staunch supporter of our military men and women, as well as our farmers,” Coleman said in response to receiving the endorsement.
The candidate added that he was “looking forward to continuing [Roby’s] legacy of fighting for our conservative Alabama values, protecting the family farm, and fighting to ensure our veterans and active-duty personnel have all the resources they need.”
Coleman and Moore were asked to rate the job done by Roby in a recent debate between the two candidates. Coleman had nothing but good things to say, evidence of longstanding mutual respect. Coleman was at one point the chairman of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) during which time the group strongly backed Roby.
Moore had praise for Roby in the debate as well, but it came in contrast to his decision to try and oust her with a primary challenge in 2018.
Roby is a former Montgomery city councilwoman and still resides in the city with her family when not in Washington, D.C.
In the initial March 3 primary, Coleman took 38% of the vote. He will be hoping Roby’s support puts him over the top on July 14 when he faces Moore in the runoff.
“The Second District needs someone who will support our interests right here in southeast Alabama, particularly our farmers. Jeff will do just that. He’ll get results for Alabama,” Roby concluded.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
