By Jeff Helms

MONTGOMERY, Ala., July 17 — Candidates endorsed by the Alabama Farmers Federation’s FarmPAC prevailed in a majority of races during Tuesday’s runoff elections.

In statewide and Congressional races, the organization’s picks claimed victory in 6 of 7 Republican contests. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby successfully defended her seat in Congress and will now face the Democratic challenger in the Nov. 6 general election. Will Ainsworth secured the nomination for lieutenant governor while Steve Marshall won the Republican race for attorney general. Rick Pate, who does not have a general election opponent, was elected commissioner of agriculture and industries. 

Christy Edwards was elected to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, Place 1, and Chris McCool won the race for Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2. Brad Mendheim lost his bid to retain a seat on the Alabama Supreme Court.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the results are encouraging for Alabama farmers. 

“County Federation leaders from across the state visited with the candidates and endorsed men and women who appreciate the importance of farming and forestry to our state and communities,” Parnell said. “We congratulate the winners in these tough-fought races and give our appreciation to all the candidates who offered themselves for public service.”

Results for FarmPAC-endorsed candidates follow:

FarmPAC Candidates Winning Runoff Elections

• Will Ainsworth — Lieutenant Governor (R)
• Martha Roby — U.S. Congress, District 2 (R)
• Steve Marshall — Attorney General (R)
• Rick Pate — Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries (R)
• Christy Edwards — Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, Place 1 (R)
• Chris McCool — Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 2 (R)
• Randy Price — State Senate, District 13 (R)
• Chris Elliott — State Senate, District 32 (R)
• Tracy Estes — State House of Representatives, District 17 (R)
• Craig Lipscomb — State House of Representatives, District 30 (R)
• Debbie Wood — State House of Representatives, District 38 (R)
• Pebblin Warren — State House of Representatives, District 82 (D)
• Will Dismukes — State House of Representatives, District 88 (R)
• Rhett Marques — State House of Representatives, District 91 (R)

FarmPAC Candidates Unsuccessful in Runoff Elections

• Brad Mendheim — Alabama Supreme Court, Place 1 (R)
• Melanie Hill — State Board of Education, District 2 (R)
• John Knight — State Senate, District 26 (D)
• Malcolm Calhoun — State House of Representatives, District 77 (D)
• Terry Martin — State House of Representatives, District 81 (R)
• Patsy Jones — State House of Representatives, District 83 (D)
• Willie Gray — State House of Representatives, District 102 (R)