West Alabama Senate Candidate Endorsed By Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Tuscaloosa businessman, political newcomer and Republican candidate for the Alabama Senate Tripp Powell has received a key endorsement in his bid for the statehouse.

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This week, the Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama endorsed the 41-year-old former owner of Powell Petroleum and Buddy's Food Mart, who is looking to unseat Republican incumbent Sen. Gerald Allen for Senate District 21.

“As a political outsider, gaining the confidence and trust of an association like P&CMA means the world to me," Powell told Patch. “I know intimately how important demonstrating leadership is to that group, and I’m looking forward to that opportunity.”

An endorsement from the statewide trade association brings the backing of more than 225 businesses who "own, operate and/or supply more than 3,000 retail locations across."

It's important to note that Powell served on the board of the organization for five years and as chairman in 2020.

“Our members know Tripp Powell very well and believe strongly in his ability to provide the kind of leadership and vision we need to keep fueling Alabama’s economic engine,” said Bart Fletcher, the group’s president in an official statement of endorsement. “Tripp has been a lifelong champion of small businesses and knows what it takes to get things done in Montgomery.”

Fletcher praised Powell for being a "driving force in keeping Alabama’s small businesses open" during the economic uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically citing his work on the Alabama Small Business Commission were vital to businesses remaining open and helping Alabamians keep working for their families.”

The endorsement is a big one for Powell, who is running for office for the first time against a longtime incumbent in the GOP primary. The winner of the Republican ticket will then face at least one Democratic challenger in the General Election, with Lake View resident Lisa Ward qualifying to appear on the ticket.

To date, Allen — who recently received a high-coveted endorsement from ALFA — has a far and away lead in fundraising, trailed by Powell and then Ward, with a cumulative total of $148,200 raised for the race since qualifying opened.

The qualifying deadline is set for Jan. 28, 2022.

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