State Senator Wes Kitchens assumed his position in the Alabama Senate today after receiving his oath of office at the Marshall County Courthouse. This comes exactly two weeks after a special primary election across Senate District 9 in which Kitchens avoided a run-off and did not face a general election challenger.
Kitchens (R-Arab) now represents Blount, Madison, and Marshall counties in the Senate, taking up former Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield’s seat in the higher chamber of the Alabama Legislature, ahead of a February 6 start to the 2024 state legislative session.
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Wes Kitchens to the Alabama Senate,” Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper) said.
“Senator Kitchens is a proven advocate for Alabama values, and he has consistently demonstrated a passion and ability to serve his constituents well. I look forward to working with him in this new role and look forward to continuing to make Alabama the best state in the country to call home.”
RELATED: Steve Livingston elected Alabama Senate Majority Leader
The Alabama Senate Republican Caucus noted that his two terms as a member of the Alabama House will serve him well in his new role. Kitchens previously served as the vice-chair of the Alabama Republican House Caucus and co-chair of the Alabama Pre-K Commission. Kitchens is the chairman of the Marshall County Republican Party.
“The Senate Republican Caucus is proud to welcome a strong conservative like Wes Kitchens to the Alabama State Senate,” Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) said.
“Wes brings with him a proven track record of a deep-rooted commitment to conservative values. We look forward to working with Senator Kitchens to champion and protect the principles that define our state.”
Before his time in the Legislature, Kitchens was the president of the Arab Chamber of Commerce, where he focused on workforce and community development.
RELATED: Kitchens cooks win in state Senate special election – ‘this district is my home’
“I want to thank the voters in Blount, Madison, and Marshall counties,” said Senator Kitchens. “We live in a wonderful part of our state — we are blessed with quality schools, safe communities, and a growing economy. My job every day will be to continue the good work of my friend Senator Clay Scofield. I want to help local leaders make north Alabama an even better home for us all.”
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270