Following last week’s announcement by State Sen. Greg Reed that he will be stepping down as President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate and resigning the District 5 seat he’s held since 2010, Governor Kay Ivey welcomed him to her office as Senior Advisor for Workforce Transformation — and confirmed a forthcoming special election to elect his successor.
On Monday morning, incumbent State Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper) announced his campaign for the seat. He expressed gratitude to Pro Tem Reed (R-Jasper) for his 14 years of service to District 5 and the people of Alabama. Wood’s current seat in the Alabama House of Representatives covers most of Walker County and overlaps distinctly with Reed’s.
“I want to thank Senator Reed for his dedicated service and tremendous leadership for both the people of Senate District 5 and the state of Alabama,” said Woods. “I have had the privilege of serving alongside him the past two years and I’ve learned so much from our time together. Senator Reed is a true public servant. I wish he and his wife, Mitsy, the very best as they enter a new phase of life,” Woods said in his announcement.
“It’s important that our area continues to have conservative representation in Montgomery. That’s why I’m announcing my candidacy for State Senate District 5. As a small business owner, I understand the needs of our communities and the challenges facing our state. Over the past two years, I’ve worked to reduce taxes, grow our economy, and protect our families. I will take that same conservative, pro-family, pro-business approach to work for the people of District 5.”
RELATED: Analysis: Alabama State Senate District 5 vacancy and special election
Now halfway through the quadrennium, Reed’s vacancy will trigger a special election to finish the remainder of his term, including the 2025 and 2026 state legislative sessions. District 5 covers portions of Walker, Fayette, Lamar, Tuscaloosa, and Jefferson Counties.
In an op-ed over the weekend, Woods credited Reed for inspiring his entry into public service, beginning with his appointment to the Alabama Community College System Board in 2017. Woods joined the Alabama House in 2022 and worked closely with Reed on securing over $44 million for upgrades at Bevill State Community College and $6.7 million in grants to improve water delivery infrastructure.
In his campaign announcement, Woods highlighted that during his two years in the legislature, he authored the Alabama Child Protection Act, supported the reduction of sales tax on groceries, and co-sponsored the elimination of income taxes on overtime wages.
“I’m excited to hear that Matt Woods is running for Senate District 5. Matt has been a strong Republican and fought for our conservative values in Montgomery. Matt has done a great job for Walker County and I’m proud to personally endorse him,” said Dorman Grace, president of the Walker County Farmers Federation.
According to his campaign website, Woods is a second-generation entrepreneur and owner of Jasper Auto Sales. He and his wife Brandi have been married for 19 years and have a 14-year-old daughter that attends Jasper High School. Woods is a past chairman of the Walker County Chamber of Commerce. In 2017, he was appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to serve as the Fourth Congressional District Board member of the Alabama Community College System.
Woods and his wife founded a non-profit organization, H.A.L.O. (Hope After Loss Organization), following the passing of their first child. The group organizes support groups and provides memory boxes for families who experience the loss of a child.
RELATED: Alabama Senators consider next leader as Reed succession vote looms
Meanwhile, members of the Alabama Senate Republican Caucus are considering who will run the higher chamber as President Pro Tempore at a critical time for the current cohort of state lawmakers. Senators will decide between State Sens. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) in a caucus vote on December 3.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
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