State Rep. Victor Gaston announces he will not seek reelection

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State Rep. Victor Gaston, the Speaker Pro Tem of the Alabama House of Representatives, announced he will not seed reelection in 2022 for the House District 100 seat.

Gaston, one of the longest-serving members of the Legislature, said the timing was right to end his career in the Legislature and give others an opportunity to lead.

“Representing the citizens of west Mobile in the Alabama House has been my distinct honor and pleasure for the past 40 years, but the time has come to step off the public stage and pass the mantle of leadership to someone else,” Gaston stated. “It is important to note that serving in this office for so many years was possible only because of the unconditional love, support, and commitment given to me by my late wife of 46 years, Jean, and my sons, Hank and George.”

The Union Church native was first elected to the House in 1982. He holds the record for the longest unopposed election streak of any state legislator in the 16-state Southern Legislative Conference.

Gov. Kay Ivey praised Gaston’s public service career. Ivey stated, “When I heard the news Rep. Gaston was not seeking reelection, I immediately thought about the fact that our state is better because of his many years of service,” Ivey said. “He has always stepped up to the plate when leadership was needed, and he will certainly leave big shoes to fill. I have known Victor for a long time and will always be proud to call him my friend.”

There are no announced candidates for the House District 100 seat and the deadline for qualifying is January 28.