J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner

Republican

Age: 89

Residence: Vestavia Hills

Political experience: Running for reelection to Alabama Senate, District 16. Waggoner has the longest record of service in the Alabama Legislature. Elected to Alabama House of Representatives seat, 1966, 1974, 1978 and 1982; unsuccessful run for U.S. House District 6, 1984; serving eighth term representing Alabama Senate District 16, a seat he first won in 1990. Senate minority leader, 2002-2010; Senate majority leader, Dec. 8, 2010-2014.

Civic experience: Member of Homewood Church of Christ; serves on the following boards: Executive Committee of Birmingham Business Alliance, Faulkner University board of trustees, Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame; member of Hoover, Homewood, Shelby County and Vestavia Hills Chambers of Commerce; member, Monday Morning Quarterback Club; 50-year member of Civitan International; member of Masons and Shriners organizations. Inducted into the Birmingham-Southern College Sports Hall of Fame, 2007, and received the Birmingham Southern Distinguish Alumni in 2013.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham-Southern College and juris doctorate from Birmingham School of Law.

Main issues: Lower taxes, strengthen education, support law enforcement and business development.

More information:Legislative website.