By Jeff Helms
(334) 613-4212

Alabama Farmers Federation’s political action committee, Alabama FarmPAC, has endorsed candidates for Alabama State Board of Education. 

County leaders of the state’s largest farm organization pledged support for incumbents Jackie Zeigler, R-Mobile, in District 1, and Tonya Smith Chestnut, D-Selma, in District 5. Kelly Mooney, R-Indian Springs, earned the endorsement in District 3, while Allen Long, R-Florence, was endorsed for District 7. 

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said electing strong leaders to the State Board of Education is vital to Alabama’s future. 

“We have no greater responsibility than educating our children and preparing them to be productive citizens,” Parnell said. “The Federation is committed to helping young people develop the knowledge, skills and character they need for successful careers which, in turn, will benefit their families, local communities and the economy. The candidates our county leaders endorsed for State Board of Education have the background and dedication to help ensure our children are prepared for the future. We are committed to working with the State Board of Education to improve results for our students, schools and state.”

The Federation and Alfa Insurance have a long history of supporting excellence in education including investing over $200,000 a year in college scholarships; providing the use of a car to Alabama’s Teacher of the Year; offering car insurance discounts for teachers; sponsoring scores of 4-H and FFA contests; and supporting career and technical education at local and state levels.

State Board of Education Endorsements

Jackie Zeigler, R-Mobile

• District 1: Baldwin, Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw and Escambia counties as well as parts of Mobile County

Kelly Mooney, R-Indian Springs

• District 3: Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Elmore and Shelby counties as well as parts of Jefferson, Montgomery and Talladega counties

Tonya Smith Chestnut, D-Selma

• District 5: Autauga, Bullock, Choctaw, Clarke, Dallas, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox counties as well as parts of Mobile and Montgomery counties

Allen Long, R-Florence

• District 7: Colbert, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan, Walker and Winston counties as well as parts of Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties