The Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama (P&CMA) has endorsed two of the state’s top legislative leaders, Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger, for re-election,

They recognized their leadership and longstanding support of Alabama’s small business community, energy independence, and pro-growth policies.

Representing more than 1,200 member locations statewide, P&CMA advocates for policies that strengthen Alabama’s petroleum and convenience store industries. The organization represents 200 petroleum marketers and convenience store operators employing thousands of Alabamians and serving communities across the state.

P&CMA praised Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) as a strong voice for economic growth and workforce development, citing his work advancing policies that keep Alabama’s petroleum and convenience industries competitive and resilient.

“Speaker Ledbetter has forged an outstanding relationship with the Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama, always listening to our members’ needs and championing solutions that drive real progress for our industry,” Rex Jones, chairman of the P&CMA Board of Directors, said.

“His strong leadership in steering the House of Representatives has been instrumental in navigating complex challenges, from economic recovery to sustainable energy policies. We are proud to stand with him and confident that his continued service will keep Alabama’s economy strong and our businesses thriving.”

Ledbetter thanked the organization for its endorsement, saying, “I’m honored to have the support of the Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama. Together, we’ve accomplished a lot in bolstering our state’s energy independence and supporting hardworking families in the convenience industry. I look forward to continuing this partnership to build an even brighter future for Alabama.”

Thomas Russell, a P&CMA member and owner of Cedar Bluff Oil Company, added, “It is an honor to endorse Speaker Ledbetter, as he has been and will continue to be a breath of fresh air to his district as well as the entire state of Alabama. He has proven time and time again how deeply he cares about the citizens and small businesses of our state. Speaker Ledbetter is a man of great integrity and shows a clear passion to help the people and small businesses in Alabama achieve the American dream.”

The group  also commended Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) for his leadership in guiding legislation that supports small businesses, fosters innovation, and strengthens Alabama’s economy.

Jones said of Gudger, “Senator Garlan Gudger has built a remarkable relationship with the membership of our organization, always prioritizing the needs of our industry and working collaboratively to find practical solutions. His leadership as Senate Pro-Tem has been a driving force in advancing policies that benefit our members and the communities we serve. We are delighted to endorse him and confident that his continued service will keep Alabama moving forward in the right direction.”

Gudger expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “I am deeply honored to receive the support of the Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama. Their members are the backbone of our communities, and I’m committed to continuing our work together to strengthen Alabama’s economy and support our state’s small businesses.”

“Senator Gudger has been a lifelong friend, a dedicated public servant, and I am beyond grateful for his service to our community,” James Edison, a P&CMA member and owner of Edison Oil Company, added.

“Garlan Gudger has not only played a critical role in building a robust economy for the small business owners in my industry, but he’s been instrumental in shaping our state’s growing economy. It is an honor to endorse him in his re-election campaign and I look forward to the success he will continue to bring to Alabama.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].