State Sen. Jack Williams (R-Wilmer) who finished third in the Republican primary for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, announced Wednesday that he is backing Corey Hill in the June 16 runoff.

The endorsement consolidates a meaningful share of the primary vote behind Hill.

Hill, the mayor of Douglas in Marshall County, led the May 19 primary with about 35.2% of the vote, narrowly ahead of fifth-generation Baldwin County farmer Christina Woerner McInnis at 34.9%. Williams came in third with 29.9%.

Williams, a fourth-generation farmer and business owner now serving his second term in the Alabama Senate, pointed to Hill’s hands-on farming background and vision for its future in announcing his support.

“I am proud to endorse Corey Hill, a strong conservative who will fight for our farmers and work to keep Alabama-grown food on our families’ tables. Alabama farmers are hurting right now, and they need an Agriculture Commissioner who knows what it means to make a living off farming,” Williams said.

“I’ve always said Alabama deserves an Agriculture Commissioner with the experience and know-how to fight for our farmers and protect our farmland, and I know Corey will do exactly that because he lives it every day.”

During his time in the Alabama Legislature, Williams sponsored measures to ban lab-grown meat, cut taxes on agricultural fencing and farm utilities, and protect Alabama farmland from foreign ownership.

Hill, who wields the backing of the Alabama Farmers Federation in the race, is a fourth-generation farmer who operates a poultry farm, cattle farm, and grocery store in addition to serving as mayor of Douglas. On Wednesday, he welcomed the endorsement from a fellow farmer-politician.

“I appreciate Jack’s endorsement,” Hill said. “He understands how important this election is to the farmers of Alabama and why it is important to elect a farmer to this position who actually grows the food we eat.”

The winner of the June 16 runoff will face Democratic nominee Ron Sparks, who served as Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries from 2003 to 2011, in the November general election.

The contest is open this cycle because incumbent Rick Pate was term-limited from seeking another.