By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Tuesday, Michael “Mike” Sparks, the director of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, announced that he will be a candidate for the Republican nomination for the Alabama state Senate District 13.
“I’m thrilled to be making this announcement,” Sparks said. “Our elected officials work for us, but I think some of them lose sight of that from time to time. I know how government works and I know how to make it work better. I can help make government smaller, more transparent and more accountable to the taxpayer. That’s why I’m running for the state senate.”
“District 13 needs a fighter who will support better paying jobs, quality education opportunities and a commitment to public safety in our district,” Sparks said, citing his communication and budget management experience. “With my understanding of the budget process and experience working with legislators in the past, I am uniquely qualified for this job. I will hold the line and do everything I can to defend our communities from higher taxes and job-killing regulations. As Director of the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, the budgets I sent to the Governor were created with the taxpayer in mind; they were responsible, lean and fiscally conservative year after year.
“My focus has been on efficiency, productivity and doing a good job for taxpayers. That’s exactly what I’ll focus on as a state Senator,” Sparks said.
“I will make every decision with the light God gives me to see that decision,” Sparks said. “I pray over my work as Director of Forensic Sciences and will continue to do so as your Senator for District 13. I look forward to this campaign and to meeting as many voters as I can over the next several months.”
Senate District 13 is currently represented by state Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville. Dial has announced that he will not seek another term in the Alabama Senate. Dial has spent, literally, decades in the Alabama Legislature. Sources have told The Alabama Political Reporter that Dial will be a Republican candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, where incumbent John McMillan is term limited from running again.
Sources have told APR that former Cleburne County Republican Party Chairman Tim Sprayberry may also be running for Senate District 13. Sprayberry narrowly lost a tight Republican primary battle in 2014 with Dial by just 423 votes.
The major party primaries will be on June 5, 2018.
