ALFA Endorses Incumbent West Alabama Lawmakers

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Two west Alabama lawmakers seeking re-election recently received one of the most-coveted political endorsements in Alabama.

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The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) on Thursday announced nine endorsements, all of which were Republicans, according to Alabama Political Reporter. Among those receiving support are State Sen. Gerald Allen, a Republican from Tuscaloosa, and State Rep. Kyle South, a Fayette Republican.

Allen represents Senate District 21, which includes parts of Tuscaloosa and Pickens counties. He has served in the state legislature since 1994, securing his senate seat in 2010.

The 2022 Republican Primary will see Allen have at least one challenger in Tuscaloosa businessman and political newcomer Tripp Powell. The winner of that race will then take on the winner of the Democratic Primary, which currently has one qualified candidate — Lake View resident Lisa Ward.

Tuscaloosa Farmers Federation County President Jim Lavender praised Allen for his longstanding interest in agriculture in his district — one that ALFA believes Allen has taken to Montgomery to best represent the organization.

“We need his continued conservative voice in the Legislature,” Lavender said in a statement.

South represents portions of Fayette, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties and is the only candidate thus far to qualify. He is a graduate of Fayette County High School and the University of Alabama who was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2014.

Fayette County Farmers Federation President Joe Roberts referred to South as a leader and a friend to farmers.

“He is accessible and hardworking, and we are proud to support him,” Roberts said.

Thursday's announce represents just the latest round of endorsements. Earlier this month, ALFA also provided an endorsement for State Rep. Chris England, a Democrat from Tuscaloosa who also chairs the Alabama Democratic Party.

England has not yet had a challenger qualify to run against him in 2022.

The deadline to qualify for the 2022 ballot is Jan. 28, 2022.

Founded in 1921, the Alabama Farmers Federation has since grown to become the state's largest farming organization, with over 340,000 members.

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