11/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/06/2024 12:16
MONTGOMERY, Ala., Nov. 6 - Alabama Farmers Federation today congratulated Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidates for victories in Tuesday's general election. The organization's grassroots political action committee notched wins in 22 of 23 races.
"It was a big night for our country and our state," said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. "Across America, families, farmers and business owners are concerned about the economy, secure borders, national defense and government overreach. On Tuesday, voters from all walks of life took a stand for liberty, opportunity and security."
Parnell said former President Donald J. Trump's dominance in battleground states and Republican flip of the U.S. Senate set the stage for farmer-friendly federal policies and legislation.
"Many farms would not have survived four more years of Biden-Harris policies," Parnell said. "Record inflation, high interest rates, nonexistent trade policy and mountains of new regulations have created a financial crisis for farmers. President Trump has a proven track record of reducing energy costs, strengthening the economy and holding trade partners accountable. We look forward to working with his administration and Congress to roll back burdensome regulations, provide economic relief to farmers and pass a farm bill that puts agriculture first."
The voters' mandate for change also provides an opportunity for the Trump administration and Congress to address skyrocketing health care costs. Parnell said the Federation will work with elected officials in Washington and Montgomery to ensure members have access to affordable coverage and quality care.
Caroleene Dobson, Republican nominee for Alabama's Congressional District 2, was the lone unsuccessful Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidate. Parnell commended Dobson for her hard work and tenacity.
"Caroleene ran one of the best campaigns we've seen in recent years," he said. "She spent months visiting with voters across the district. Caroleene won the hearts of Federation members by listening to them, working hard and offering real solutions for our country's challenges. Although she faced an uphill challenge in the court-drawn district, Caroleene never stopped fighting. I'm convinced she has a bright future in public service."
Parnell congratulated Congressman-elect Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, on his victory.
"Congressional District 2 is among Alabama's most productive agricultural regions," Parnell said. "We will work with Congressman Figures to strengthen relationships with farmers across the district to ensure they can continue raising their families on the land while contributing to their local communities."
Other contests important to Federation members included races for Alabama Supreme Court and state appellate courts. All eleven endorsed candidates prevailed.
"Alabama is growing, and a big reason for that is the state's shift away from jackpot justice more than two decades ago," Parnell said. "Conservative courts that strictly interpret the law have created a business-friendly environment in Alabama and preserved values that make families want to call our state home. Voters' support for these judges - including many who were unopposed - is good news for Alabama."
Alabama State Board of Education races included four Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidates. In addition to incumbents Jackie Zeigler and Tonya Smith Chestnut, Federation support was critical in securing primary and general election victories for newcomers Kelly Mooney and Allen Long.
"We look forward to working with the Board of Education and State Superintendent Eric Mackey to strengthen education and career readiness," Parnell said.
Alabama FarmPAC candidates winning election were: