Q&A: Fayette Pastor Seeks To Stand Out In Crowded GOP Field For House District 16

Editor's Note: This is the latest installment of our question and answer series with the candidates who have qualified to appear on the ballot for the special election in House District 16, which covers parts of Fayette, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties. The candidate profiles will be published in alphabetical order by last name.

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Floyd Rodgers Jr., associate pastor at Peaceful Rest Baptist Church in Fayette, is one of six Republicans vying for the party's nomination in the upcoming GOP Primary.

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As Patch previously reported, six Republicans and one Democrat are vying for the seat vacated by former Republican state Rep. Kyle South, of Fayette.

South stepped down at the end of the last regular legislative session to become the next president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. House District 16 covers parts of Fayette, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties.

The winner of the Jan. 9, 2024, General Election will serve out the remainder of South's unexpired term, which will be up for election again in November 2026.

Ahead of the special election primary this fall, Patch caught up with Rodgers to hear about his campaign platform in the hopes of informing voters about where he stands as ton the issues.

Stay tuned to Tuscaloosa Patch for similar Q&A profiles with the candidates vying hoping to fill the seat!

Floyd Rodgers Jr.

Biographical information

Age: 39

Professional experience: Current associate pastor at Peaceful Rest Baptist Church in Fayette

Education: Rogers holds a technical certificate in Quality Assurance Supervision from Southwest Tennessee Community College and a church leadership certificate in Biblical Ministry from Leavell College of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Q: Why did you decide to run for office?

"After many years of working with our local churches and communities along with much prayer, I decided to run for office because I see the needs of our community. I am a candidate that if elected, will not only represent the people, but also be a voice for the people. I will address the real issues that impact our daily lives. There are attacks on our family values, our constitutional rights, and the biggest issue that we face is, political propaganda. There’s a great divide within the people who should be trying to find ways to work together. I believe that my background and the work that I do now uniquely positions me to be an effective advocate to help bring our communities together and be a much louder voice in Montgomery to get the resources that we need in our communities."

Q: What, in your view, makes you qualified to serve?

"My diverse background and the personal challenges I’ve faced has prepared me and qualified me to serve. I understand the challenges that our communities face, because I am an active servant in our communities. I understand the challenges our government faces. As the Alabama Community of Excellence (ACE) Coordinator for the City of Fayette, I am often in meetings with mayors, Council members, and local leaders discussing and planning for solutions to improve infrastructure, business development, and addressing the needs and concerns of our communities and constituents. I am often in our schools, so I understand the challenges our students and teachers are dealing with. And, lastly I am a minister at our county jail, so I understand the issues within our jails, the staffing shortages on our police force, the limited funding, and the drug epidemic and mental health crisis thats impacting our families and communities. Being the next representative for District 16 will allow me the opportunity to serve our district in a much greater capacity."

Q: What is the biggest individual issue facing House District 16?

"From spending many years within our churches, communities, and schools, we feel like rural communities such as ours have been overlooked when it comes to improving our quality of life and economic development. We need more business development opportunities, more housing, recreational facilities for families, and mental health resources. We have a fast-growing drug use epidemic and that in-turn increases crime rates. With that being said, it’s too complicated to point out one individual issue, because as we know, there are many different intricacies working together. It’s my goal to find workable solutions."

Q: What will be the first thing you will do once in office?

"The first thing that I will do in office is bring awareness to the importance of community involvement and engagement. It is imperative that we get the members in our communities on board! I will form boards and committees with individuals representing every facet of our communities starting with spiritual leaders, educators, small business owners —all the way over to our elders and youth. No one knows best the needs and concerns other than the citizens of District 16. It’s time that we allow their voices to be heard."

Q: What is something about House District 16 that you are proud of?

"I am proud that House District 16 has continued to stand on conservative beliefs, traditional family values, and we understand the importance of protecting our constitutional rights.
I am also very proud of our close knit community. We realize that we have more in common than we do in difference. We all want what’s best for our families and the generations to come."

Q: What is the most common concern you’ve heard from constituents on the campaign trail?

"People are sick and tired of the traditionally stereotypical political propaganda rhetoric.
They want someone who’s accessible, relatable, willing to listen to them, bold in upholding our conservative values, and someone who they can trust to work for them.'

Q: If elected, how will you approach working with the local legislative delegation?

"I believe that collaboration is key to success. I’ve always put emphasis on the importance of building effective partnerships. Working together along with the right information, there’s nothing that we can’t achieve."

Q: How do you plan to work with the municipalities and different governmental bodies in House District 16?

"As the Alabama Community of Excellence Coordinator, I work with our local governmental bodies. As a matter of fact, it’s required of me to work with our local and surrounding counties Mayor, City Council, County Commissioners, and community leaders. They know the concerns of their communities. My philosophy is 'we can go much further together than we can apart.' It’s all about building trustworthy relationships with the people you serve."

Previous Q&A articles and special election coverage:

• Q&A: Democrat Secures Party Nomination For House District 16 Race
• Q&A: Attorney Brinyark Vying For House District 16 GOP Nomination
• Q&A: Fayette County Commissioner Seeks GOP Nod For House District 16
• Q&A: Veterans Advocate Seeks GOP Nomination In House District 16 Race
• Q&A: Musician, Lifelong Conservative Vying For GOP Nod In District 16
• House District 16 Special Election Candidates Raised $45K In July
• Crowded Field For House District 16 Race As Qualifying Closes

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