Alabama Forestry Association Announces Endorsements of Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter

The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) has officially endorsed Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger and House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter in their upcoming re-election bids. The endorsement of these two legislative leaders underscores the Association’s commitment to its industry ties and policy goals.

Chris Isaacson, President & CEO of the AFA, laid out the rationale behind the endorsement:

“Leadership involves conceiving and providing direction toward a goal through motivation and fostering collaboration. Thankfully, we have legislative leadership that is focused on making Alabama a better place to live, work and raise a family. Pro Tem Gudger and Speaker Ledbetter have the skills necessary for leadership and the capacity to craft and pass legislative solutions to address the many issues facing our State. These leaders are committed to supporting our industry as we continue to be a strong economic driver in rural Alabama. Our membership appreciates them and we are excited to provide this endorsement and look forward to working with them over the next four years.”

Since first entering the Senate in 2018, Senator Gudger (Senate District 4) has avoided serious opposition—he was even re-elected without opposition in 2022. At the start of the 2025 legislative session, his peers unanimously elected him President Pro Tempore of the Senate. He and his wife, Heather, run Southern Accents, an architectural salvage firm in Cullman founded by his father in 1969. They have two sons.

In response to the endorsement, Gudger said, “The Alabama Forestry Association is deeply rooted in conservative beliefs, principles, and ideals, so earning its seal of approval speaks volumes. Low taxes, traditional values, and limited government are just a few of the commonsense policies that we share and promote.”

Speaker Ledbetter (House District 24) has served as Speaker since 2022; before that, he made history in 2017 as the first freshman lawmaker to be chosen House Republican Majority Leader. He has represented District 24 since 2014. Before his legislative career, he worked in the electric co-op sector and in local government in Rainsville. He and his wife, Teresa, have two sons and four grandchildren.

Ledbetter said about the endorsement that: “I am honored to receive the Alabama Forestry Association’s endorsement. Simply put, Alabama’s logging companies, sawmills, paper mills, and the men and women who operate them are the heartbeat of Alabama’s economy. Supporting this vital industry will always be a top priority, and I look forward to continuing to work with the AFA to drive growth, protect jobs, and deliver results.”

The endorsements arrive as both Gudger and Ledbetter are seriously campaigning for another term in the Legislature. In recent months, they have drawn support from other key organizations, pointing to a broad base of institutional backing.

For instance, the Business Council of Alabama’s political arm, ProgressPAC, previously endorsed both men for re-election and for continued leadership roles.

Meanwhile, the AFA also plays a prominent role in industry events. At its 2025 annual meeting in Orange Beach, more than 450 leaders convened to discuss trade, regulation, and future challenges for the forestry sector. Speaker Ledbetter served on a headline panel, emphasizing that the forestry industry contributes some $36 billion annually to Alabama’s economy and supports over 55,000 jobs.

The Alabama Forestry Association’s endorsement provides a significant boost to both Gudger’s and Ledbetter’s campaigns. With ties to the forestry sector and deep involvement in State policy, the endorsement signals that these legislative leaders remain central to the industry’s agenda in Montgomery.

The Alabama Forestry Association represents Alabama’s forestry community with membership that includes forest products manufacturers, landowners, loggers, wood dealers, foresters, consultants, and others involved in forestry.

AFA is dedicated to protecting and improving the business, regulatory and legal environment for landowners and forest business owners to ensure the sustainable growth of Alabama’s forests and forest industry.

Forests cover more than two-thirds of the state and provide the raw material for Alabama’s second largest manufacturing industry. Forestry provides a $36 billion total economic output to the state’s economy. To learn more, visit: https://www.alaforestry.org