ProgressPAC, the political affiliate of the Business Council of Alabama, announced Tuesday its endorsement of Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter for re-election to the Alabama Legislature and in their respective leadership roles.
ProgressPAC’s board of directors, a group of Alabama business leaders committed to promoting pro-jobs and pro-growth policies across the state, approved the endorsement.
“Pro Tem Gudger and Speaker Ledbetter have demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing policies that strengthen Alabama’s economy, workforce, and business climate,” said Helena Duncan, president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama. “Their leadership has been instrumental in passing key legislation that supports job creation, cuts red tape, and invests in Alabama’s future. We are proud to voice our support for both their re-election and in their leadership capacities.”
Gudger said BCA’s membership ranges from Alabama’s largest employers to small businesses in every city, town, and crossroads across the state.
“This endorsement is important because it represents the seal of approval from the hardworking business owners who keep our state’s economic engine running smoothly,” he said.
BCA said both legislative leaders have been at the forefront of efforts to prioritize economic development, workforce readiness, and infrastructure investment. “Their stewardship has helped ensure Alabama remains ahead in a rapidly changing national economy,” the organization said.
Ledbetter said while every state claims to be pro-business, “none have put more action behind those words than the great state of Alabama.”
“We have supported our workforce through landmark legislation establishing childcare tax credits and continued investments in developing their skill sets,” he said. “We have supported industry by creating the best economic development incentives in the country. And we have supported small businesses and workers alike by ensuring our taxes remain the lowest in the United States. While I’m proud of what we have accomplished, there is still plenty of work ahead of us, and I am excited to continue working with the Business Council of Alabama to make an already great state even better.”
Gary Smith, chairman of ProgressPAC and president and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, praised their leadership as vital to Alabama’s continued growth.
“Speaker Ledbetter and Pro Tem Gudger are proven supporters of Alabama’s business community,” Smith said. “They understand what it takes to foster a thriving economic environment, and their track records reflect a deep commitment to economic opportunity, fiscal responsibility, and strong leadership.”
ProgressPAC’s endorsements reflect the unified voice of business leaders across the state and underscore BCA’s commitment to supporting candidates who champion Alabama’s pro-business policies that foster job creation and economic opportunity.
