MONTGOMERY, Ala., May 25 — Alabama Farmers Federation today congratulated FarmPAC-endorsed candidates for hard-fought success in Tuesday’s primary elections.

Candidates supported by the organization won or advanced to June 21 runoffs in all but one statewide, congressional or State Board of Education race. County members’ picks for the Alabama Legislature prevailed or advanced to runoffs in at least 86% of contested races, with a few still too close to call.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell praised the candidates for their tenacity and endurance throughout a challenging campaign season.

“We are very proud of our endorsed candidates,” Parnell said. “They have worked hard to develop relationships with our members. They’ve visited our farms, attended our meetings and traveled thousands of miles to earn members’ votes. We celebrate with those who won last night and are ready to work the next 28 days to help those in runoffs get across the finish line.”

Parnell said Gov. Kay Ivey’s decisive victory over eight Republican challengers and against millions of dollars in attack ads speaks to voters’ confidence in her leadership.

“Gov. Ivey came into office promising to right the ship of state. She’s done that,” Parnell said. “Gov. Ivey is a longtime friend of Alabama farmers, and we are proud to stand with her in moving the state forward.”

Katie Britt’s double-digit advantage over her nearest opponent for U.S. Senate demonstrates the importance of connecting with grassroots organizations, Parnell added.

“No candidate has worked harder than Katie Britt to earn our members’ votes,” he said. “She’s visited all 67 counties. Katie has been in our members’ fields, homes, churches and local businesses. She shares their values and understands their needs. Our farmers are excited about sending Katie to Washington and are committed to working the next four weeks to help her win the Republican runoff.”

Farmers, business owners and conservative voters also notched a significant victory with Greg Cook winning the Republican nomination for Alabama Supreme Court over trial-lawyer-backed Debra Jones. With 95% of votes counted, Cook had a 55%-45% margin, despite plaintiff groups that backed Jones spending over $1 million on negative ads in the final days of the campaign.

Other FarmPAC-endorsed candidates securing the Republican nomination were Attorney General Steve Marshall; U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers; and State Board of Education candidates Tracie West, Marie Manning and Wayne Reynolds.

Federation-backed candidates advancing to the Republican runoff were Wes Allen, Secretary of State; Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker, Public Service Commission; and Dale Strong, U.S. House of Representatives, District 5.

Results from other races are available on the Secretary of State’s website.