The Alabama Farmers Federation announced another string of endorsements on Thursday.
ALFA is supporting Sens. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman; Will Barfoot, R-Montgomery; and Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, along with Reps. Rhett Marques, R-Enterprise; Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga; and Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa.
“Rep. England is a strong voice in the Legislature,” said Jim Lavender, Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation president. “He is accessible, works hard and appreciates the work of the farmers in this state.”
England received his B.A. degree in English and a B.A. degree in political science from Howard University. He received a J.D. degree from the University of Alabama School of Law.
England is an associate city attorney for the City of Tuscaloosa, a member of the Tuscaloosa Road Improvement Commission and vice president of the Alabama Law Institute. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
“It is humbling to receive the endorsement of the Farmers Federation,” England said. “They are a huge part of my constituency, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.”
Gudger received his B.S. degree in building science from Auburn University with a minor in business. He is the second generation in his family to own and operate Southern Accents Architectural Antiques Inc.
“It is humbling to have the endorsement of the farmers in my district,” said Gudger. “I look forward to working with them and appreciate the vote of confidence they have given me.”
Gudger has been involved in multiple civic and charitable organizations in his district. He has also won numerous awards for his profession.
“Sen. Gudger is a leading businessman in our community,” said Ben Haynes, Cullman County Farmers Federation president. “He knows the needs of the businesses of this district and will work hard to represent them.”
Barfoot received his B.A. degree in International Studies from Auburn University at Montgomery and his J.D. degree from the Jones School of Law.
“It is always gratifying to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Farmers Federation,” said Barfoot. “They are hard-working people with a strong work ethic. I share their values and look forward to continuing to represent them in the Senate.”
Barfoot is active in multiple civic and charitable causes in his community.
“Sen. Barfoot is a good public servant and has our best interests at heart,” said Richard Edgar, Elmore County Farmers Federation president. “He will continue to ensure that our voices are heard in Montgomery, and we need that.”
Marques received his B.S. degree in Marketing from the University of Alabama. He and his wife, Christina, have been small business owners and operators of Goodson Tire for the past 21 years.
“Rep. Marques cares about the work of the farmers in our district,” said Carl Sanders, Coffee County Farmers Federation president. “He works hard for us and represents agriculture well.”
Marques served on the Enterprise City Council from 2012-2016 before being elected to the State House of Representatives in 2018.
“It is humbling to receive the endorsement of the farmers of this district,” Marques said. “I know their needs and their issues well and will continue to work with them on both.”
Chesteen received his B.S. Degree from Troy University. He is the former head football coach and athletic director for Geneva High School. He is a retired pharmaceutical sales representative for Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Chesteen is active in his community and his district serving on the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority, Alabama Farmers Federation and Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, as well as being a past member of Geneva Rotary Club.
“It is an honor to receive this endorsement from the Farmers Federation,” said Chesteen. “I am excited about continuing to represent the needs of our farmers and all my constituents in District 29.”
Chesteen and his wife, Stephanie, have two children and three grandchildren. They attend First Baptist Church of Geneva.
“Sen. Chesteen has done an outstanding job in the Senate,” said Chris Carroll, Dale County Farmers Federation president. “He is plugged into the agricultural community and will continue to represent our needs in Montgomery.”
Robbins received his B.S. degree in history from Samford University and his master’s degree in history from Mississippi State University. He received his JD degree from St. Thomas University.
“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the farmers of this district,” Robbins said. “I know their needs and their issues well and will continue to work with them on both.”
“Rep. Robbins has proven he has great abilities in the Legislature,” said Talladega County Farmers Federation President Justin Lackey. “He has quickly become a leader in the House of Representatives, and we are proud to support him.”
