Vice Chairman of the Montgomery County Commission Ronda Walker announced her candidacy for Alabama State Senate District 25 on Tuesday.
The district, which encompasses nearly 158,000 Alabamians in parts of Montgomery, Elmore, and Crenshaw counties, is currently represented by Pike Road-Republican Sen. Dick Brewbaker who has held the seat since 2010.
Walker, also a Republican, says the state “is stuck in neutral because elected officials are more concerned about political expediency and keeping lobbyists happy than the good of the state.”
“Voter trust has been shattered and confidence in state government is at an all-time low,” said Walker in her announcement. “The great state of Alabama is stuck in neutral because elected officials are more concerned about political expediency and keeping lobbyists happy than the good of the state. I am running for the Alabama Senate, because I believe Alabama can and must do better.”
Walker grew up in Montgomery and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1990. After high school, she attended Troy University earning a B.A. degree in History and Political Science. She later earned her Master’s degree from the University of Hawaii in Honolulu in 2002.
While this may be her first state Legislature run, Walker’s no stranger to politics. Between receiving her B.S. and Masters degrees, Ronda spent several years in Washington, D.C. working on the legislative staff of Alabama’s senior senator, Richard Shelby. She went on to serve on the Congressional staff of Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby as a Field Representative. In that role, she traveled throughout the District meeting with Mayors, County Commissioners, business and community leaders assisting them with various projects and needs. In 2014, she was elected to the Montgomery County Commission helping to usher in expanded opportunities for businesses and residents as well as bringing jobs to the area; all while being a fiscally responsible steward of the money the commission oversees.
Citing her achievements there, Walker said, “In 2016, Montgomery saw more job growth than any other area of the state. This happened because the City, County, and Chamber of Commerce leaders, myself included, worked very hard to create an environment that encouraged companies to locate and expand their businesses in our area. We all came together to do what was best for the River Region. I believe true leaders will reach across the aisle, build relationships, and make decisions that ensure the best outcome for all citizens.”
Walker continued, “The people of District 25 deserve a leader who can look them in the eye and tell the truth. A person of integrity. A person committed to service above self. A person with a new and unique perspective, like that of a wife, mother of four, and cancer survivor. I’m a proven fighter – for my children, for my community, and against cancer, for my life. I know what it takes to overcome adversity and rise above your circumstances with confidence and persistence. That is why I’m running for State Senate.”
Walker is also heavily involved in the community. She’s the President of the Troy University Alumni Chapter in Montgomery, and a member of several other community organizations including the Montgomery Rotary Club, Montgomery YMCA, Capital City Republican Women, and Alpha Gamma Delta Alumni Association.
Ronda and her husband Jason have four children, Margaret (5), Eli (7), Grant (14), and Hugh (15).
