Republican Alabama Senate candidate John Roberts has picked up endorsements from two longtime North Alabama political figures as he campaigns to succeed retiring State Sen. Tom Butler (R-Madison) in District 2.
Butler, who has represented the Madison and Limestone County district for years and is not seeking another term, gave Roberts his full endorsement in a video released last week.
“I know that John will do a great job,” Butler said. “I’ve known John and his family for many years.”
Butler said knowing Roberts is seeking the seat made it easier to step away after decades in the Legislature.
“Knowing that Senate District Two will be in good hands with John Roberts makes it a lot easier for me,” Butler said. “I want to tell John that he has my full endorsement.”
Roberts thanked Butler for his support and said he expects to continue seeking the veteran senator’s advice.
“I’ve got big shoes to fill,” Roberts said. “We often get breakfast together and try to solve the state’s problems, so I expect a few more stacks of pancakes as we work over those problems together.”
Former Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon also endorsed Roberts over the weekend, pointing to his work on economic development and infrastructure in the Huntsville area.
“I’ve known John for several years. Have a lot of confidence in him,” McCutcheon said. “I have seen him work in our communities, promoting economic growth, and trying to just help our communities move forward.”
McCutcheon delivered his endorsement near the intersection of Alabama highways 53 and 255, using the overpass and lane-extension project there as an example of the kind of collaboration he believes Roberts can bring to Montgomery.
“John Roberts is that kind of a guy,” McCutcheon said. “I feel like that he knows the area, and he will be the kind of guy who will help us pull people together to get things done, especially in our infrastructure.”
Roberts, a North Alabama businessman with a background in commercial real estate and economic development, is the Republican nominee for the open Senate District 2 seat. Butler announced in 2025 that he would retire rather than seek reelection.
Roberts will face Democratic nominee Rudolph Valentino Drake in the November 3 general election.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
