The Business Council of Alabama’s political arm, ProgressPAC, announced Wednesday its endorsement of three first-time legislative candidates for the 2026 legislative cycle: Alicia Escott Lumpkin for House District 60, Jessica Massey Ross for House District 65 and Doug Harwell for Senate District 34.
BCA shared that each of these candidates has demonstrated a commitment to the pro-growth, pro-jobs values that BCA and ProgressPAC stand for and “will bring a new voice and fresh perspective to the legislature.”
“We believe Alabama’s economic future depends on bold, purpose-driven leaders who will be effective partners for our business community,” said Helena Duncan, BCA president and CEO. “While our first slate of endorsements recognized proven business leaders already serving in the Legislature, this new slate of candidates embodies that same spirit of partnership for economic growth. We see in Alicia, Jessica, and Doug the kind of entrepreneurial mindset, collaborative attitude, and business-friendly vision that will serve their respective districts well.”
“Electing pro-business champions is about identifying and backing talent that will grow with the Legislature,” said Gary Smith, chairman of ProgressPAC. “These three candidates bring a new energy, fresh ideas, and a commitment to making Alabama a more competitive, opportunity-rich state. ProgressPAC is proud to support them and to invest early in what we believe will be high-impact campaigns.”
A native of Birmingham and long-time community advocate, Lumpkin earned her JD from the Birmingham School of Law and has worked for the City of Birmingham for the past 17 years. She has a track record of engaging with local employers, understanding workforce needs, and proposing solutions that balance economic growth with quality of life, ProgressPAC shared.
Ross has over 20 years of experience as a non-profit business leader, with roots in education, workforce training and community engagement. She earned a PhD from the University of Alabama, where she also serves as an adjunct instructor, focusing her research on rural infrastructure and sustainable community development.
Harwell is an experienced business owner and former Mobile County School Board member. ProgressPAC said, “His practical, forward-thinking approach to regional competitiveness and commitment to advancing pro-jobs policies make him a strong ally for Alabama’s business community.”
