State Rep. Ken Johnson announces he will not seek re-election, quits race

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[Photo Credit: Ken Johnson via Facebook]

Moulton-Republican, State Rep. Ken Johnson — chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, as vice chairman of the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee, which annually allocates almost $2 billion to non-education state agencies, and also holds a seat on the House Insurance Committee — on Friday announced he will not seek re-election to the House District 7, a seat that he has held since 2010.

Johnson cited family responsibilities and business obligations for his decision not to run again.

“I am the father of a quadriplegic son, and during the long absences from home that service in Montgomery demands, my wife and family have taken on an inordinate amount of responsibility for his substantial care,” Johnson said in a news release. “In addition, focusing on my duties as state representative has taken needed time away from my business commitments over the past few years.”

“Serving the citizens of House District 7 has been among the greatest honors of my life, and I will leave office with the firm knowledge that the legislation I helped pass has made Alabama a better and more prosperous place to live,” he said

Johnson noted he had filed qualifying papers to seek re-election in order to ensure the GOP had a strong standard bearer for the seat, but he has determined Proncey Robertson‘s recent entrance in the race has given him the comfort level necessary to step aside.

“Proncey Robertson is a good, honest, and deeply conservative man, and he will be a great candidate,” Johnson said. “He has my full support and endorsement.”

Johnson’s withdrawal leaves Robertson as the only Republican candidate running for the seat making a primary election unnecessary. Robertson will face Democrat Kenneth Brackins in the Nov. 6 general election.