Will Ainsworth Republican Age: 41 Residence: Guntersville Political experience: Won lieutenant governor’s office in 2018; member, Alabama House of Representatives, District 27, 2014-2018. Professional experience: Co-founder of Dream Ranch and Tennessee Valley Hunting and Fishing Expo; owns Ainsworth Real Estate and Ainsworth Homes, which specialize in residential real estate construction and development; owns a commercial Hereford
John Sophocleus Libertarian Age: 60 Political experience: Ran for governor in 2002 as part of a project with the Auburn University Student Libertarians. Professional experience: Instructor of economics, Auburn University, 1992-present; has lectured at the Air War College’s International Officer School at Maxwell AFB; previously taught at Clemson University; was adjunct faculty at the Mises
Gary Palmer Party: Republican Age: 66 Residence: Hoover Political experience: Member, U.S. House of Representatives, Alabama District 6, 2015-present. Former member, Gov. Bob Riley’s Task Force to Strengthen Alabama Families; Gov. Fob James’ Aerospace, Science and Technology Task Force and his Welfare Reform Commission; and Gov. Robert Bentley’s Alabama Commission on Improving State Government. Professional
Andria Chieffo Libertarian Residence: Graysville
Gavin Goodman Libertarian Residence: Huntsville Political experience: Chair of the Libertarian Party of Alabama; is a political director for the party; was state director of Alabama for Jorgensen/Cohen 2020; on the executive committee of the party. Professional experience: Vice president of development for Strength Through Education Inc., a 501c3 that works with active-duty service members
Beatrice Nichols Republican Residence: Moundville Political experience: First run for public office Professional experience: Previously worked in a Tuscaloosa doctor’s office; taught second grade at a private school for 6 years; worked as a special education teacher at a public school for a time. Education: Pursuing doctorate in special education at the University of Alabama;
Terri Sewell Democrat Residence: Birmingham Political experience: Serving her sixth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional District; is the first black woman to serve in the state’s congressional delegation. Currently the chief deputy whip, and she sits on the House Ways and Means Committee and its subcommittees on health, select revenue measures and Social Security. Member
Wendell Major Democrat Residence: Fairfield Professional experience: Appointed the first black police chief in Tarrant in 2021; spent more than 30 years as a deputy sheriff in Jefferson County; joined the U.S. Marines Corps after graduating high school. Civic experience: As a high school student, Wendell Major joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Explorers Club.
Greg Reed Republican Age: 57 Residence: Jasper Political experience: Alabama State Senate, 2010-present. Currently president pro tempore of the Senate. Professional experience: Vice president, Preferred Medical Systems; medical sales, GE Healthcare; sales, National Cash Register. Civic experience: Sunday School teacher, First Baptist Church of Jasper. Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Alabama.
J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner Republican Age: 85 Residence: Vestavia Hills Political experience: Elected to Alabama House of Representatives seat, 1966, 1974, 1978 and 1982; unsuccessful run for U.S. House District 6, 1984; elected to Alabama Senate District 16, 1990-present. Senate minority leader, 2002-2010; Senate majority leader, Dec. 8, 2010–2014. Civic experience: Member of Homewood Church of
