Business Council of Alabama Backs Three New Faces for Legislature
First-time candidates Alicia Escott Lumpkin (HD 60), Jessica Massey Ross (HD 65), and Doug Harwell (SD 34) get BCA nod
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA), through its political arm ProgressPAC, has announced its endorsement of three first-time candidates in the 2026 legislative cycle: Alicia Escott Lumpkin (House District 60), Jessica Massey Ross (House District 65), and Doug Harwell (Senate District 34).
The endorsement reflects BCA’s commitment to “pro-growth, pro-jobs” values and its desire to inject new voices and perspectives into the state legislature.
“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.”
BCA President & CEO Helena Duncan added that while past endorsements focused on incumbents with business backgrounds, this new slate “embodies that same spirit of partnership for economic growth.”
Alicia Escott Lumpkin (HD 60)
Lumpkin is a longtime community advocate from Birmingham. She holds a JD from the Birmingham School of Law and has served in municipal roles for 17 years. Her work has focused on efficiency, community development, and aligning workforce needs with job creation.
Jessica Massey Ross (HD 65)
With over two decades in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, Ross has led efforts in education, workforce training, infrastructure, and rural development. She holds a PhD from the University of Alabama and also teaches as an adjunct.
Doug Harwell (SD 34)
Harwell is a business owner and former member of the Mobile County School Board. He brings an understanding of regional economic and workforce challenges and is committed to policies that boost job growth in South Alabama.
The endorsements from ProgressPAC signal confidence in the candidates’ capacity to align with Alabama’s business community and to advocate policies that support job creation and economic competitiveness.
The Business Council of Alabama is the premier voice for Alabama business. BCA is a non-partisan, statewide business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians through its member companies and its partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. BCA is Alabama’s exclusive affiliate to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.
ProgressPAC is the political affiliate of the Business Council of Alabama. ProgressPAC remains committed to fighting for Alabama’s future by endorsing pro-jobs candidates who will help lead Alabama in the right direction.
