Carl Lands P&CMA Endorsement in AL-1 Race

Former U.S. Representative Jerry Carl has secured another endorsement in his bid to return to Congress, with the Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama (P&CMA) announcing its support for his campaign in Alabama's 1st Congressional District.

The endorsement comes as Carl continues his campaign to reclaim the Gulf Coast seat he represented from 2021 through 2025. Carl is seeking the Republican nomination in a crowded 2026 primary field for Alabama's 1st Congressional District.

In a statement released by the association, P&CMA President Bart Fletcher praised Carl's record in Washington and his support for small businesses across Alabama.

"The Petroleum and Convenience Marketers of Alabama proudly announce their endorsement of Jerry Carl, a champion for Alabama's First Congressional District," Fletcher said. "During his time in Congress, Jerry Carl has proven time-after-time that he is and will continue to be a strong advocate for small businesses in Washington D.C. His leadership and record speaks loudly. This is why on behalf of 3,683 convenience stores and their 59,296 employees that make up our association not only endorse Jerry Carl, but we are committed to working with him to help protect the interest of all small businesses and their employees."

Carl welcomed the endorsement and emphasized the role small businesses play in Alabama's economy.

"I am deeply honored to be endorsed by such a good group like the Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama. Small Businesses are the life-blood of this state," Carl said. "I look forward to helping the P&CMA help Alabamians across Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, and Covington."

A Mobile businessman before entering public office, Carl has frequently highlighted his private-sector background as a key part of his campaign message. On his campaign website, Carl describes himself as an "outsider, a job creator, and businessman" focused on delivering conservative results and practical solutions.

Carl first won election to Congress in 2020 after serving on the Mobile County Commission. Following his defeat in the 2024 Republican primary, he launched a comeback campaign in 2025, pledging to advance what he describes as an America First agenda and continue advocating for South Alabama's economic interests.

The endorsement also aligns with Carl's long-standing emphasis on what he has often called "kitchen table politics"—a governing approach centered on the concerns of working families, small business owners, and local communities throughout the Gulf Coast region.

The Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama represents convenience stores, fuel marketers, and related businesses across the State. The industry serves as a significant employer in Alabama and plays a major role in fuel distribution and retail commerce.

For more information on Carl and his campaign, visit https://jerrycarlforcongress.com.