By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Thursday, July 6, 2017 state Representative Rich Wingo (R from Tuscaloosa) announced that he will seek a new term for the House District 62 seat that he has held since 2014.
Rep. Wingo said in a statement, “During my first term in the Alabama House, I have let my bedrock conservative values and deep faith guide my actions in Montgomery. And while my Republican colleagues and I have made important progress over the past four years in reforming the way our state government operates, the job is not yet finished, and I am determined to see it completed on my watch.”
Rep. Wingo steadfastly opposed the spread of casino-like gambling and sports betting. He also led an effort t to perform a forensic audit of state finances through his seat on the influential House Ways and Means General Fund Committee. Wingo also fought to pass legislation that protectes the religious freedom rights of faith-based adoption and child placement agencies.
Wingo was appointed to serve on the prestigious Joint Legislative Task Force on Budget Reform a committee .of House and Senate members tasked with examining the structure and design of the state budgeting process and making recommendations for long-term reforms.
Wimgp was born in Elkhart, Indiana. Wingo played football at the University of Alabama for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant recruited him to play football at the University of Alabama. Wingo was a participant in the legendary “Goal Line Stand” during the 1978 Sugar Bowl, which allowed the Crimson Tide to defeat Penn State for the National Championship.
Winglo was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. In his NFL career1979, Wingo had a seven-year NFL career where he won Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Man of the Year honors. He coached football at the University of Alabama from 1987 to 1989.
For 20 years, Wingo was president of AIG Baker, where he focused on commercial and shopping mall development. He now works with Blackwater Resources in Birmingham.
He and his wife, Cheri, have two sons. They are members of First Baptist Church.
The major party primaries are June 5, 2017.
