Rick Pate

Republican

Political experience: Elected commissioners of agriculture and industries, 2018; served as mayor of Lowndesboro for 14 years.

Professional experience: Ran Pate Landscape in Montgomery for 25 years; owns, Pate Charolais, a working cattle farm and breeding operation

Education: Auburn University, bachelor’s in agriculture, 1978.

Main issues: “As commissioner, I have worked hard to make sure our food supply has remained safe, abundant and sustainable during these challenging times,” Pate said on his campaign website. Under his leadership, the department has administrated several new programs from the state’s new hemp program to making sure the food supply was safe, sustainable and abundant during the pandemic. Partnered with other agricultural stakeholders to create and administer Sweet Grown Alabama, a nonprofit foundation that enhances marketing opportunities for Alabama farmers.

Campaign: https://rickpate.us/, https://www.facebook.com/rickpateforagcommissioner