The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) announces its endorsement of Lance Bell, Jay Hovey, and Pete Riehm for seats in the Alabama Senate. The AFA represents Alabama’s forestry community with membership that includes forest products manufacturers, landowners, loggers, wood dealers, foresters, consultants, and others involved in forestry.
Bell is running to represent Senate District 11, which covers parts of St. Clair, Talladega, and Shelby Counties. He is a lifelong St. Clair County resident and practices law focusing on plaintiff and civil defense matters, as well as providing criminal defense services. He has served as the Chairman of the St. Clair County Republican Party for six years. Bell currently serves as the Chairman of the 3rd Congressional District Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee. He and his wife, Holly, have two boys.
Hovey is running for Senate District 27, which covers parts of Tallapoosa, Lee, and Russell Counties. He was born and raised in South Lee County in the Beauregard community. Hovey began his career as a firefighter for the City of Auburn to put himself through college. He now works as a mortgage loan originator for AuburnBank and has served as the Ward 7 Council Member for Auburn City Council for four years. Hovey has served two terms on the Lieutenant Governor’s state Small Business Advisory Commission. He and his wife, Anna, have been married for 20 years.
“I am incredibly honored to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association,” stated Hovey. “I very much appreciate their active conservative voice across our state. Timber and forest products are very important to District 27. AFA’s support for landowner’s rights and small business interests are paramount to continued success.”
Riehm is running to represent District 33, which covers parts of Mobile and Baldwin Counties. He retired from the U.S. Navy after 21 years. Since retiring in 2005, Riehm is active in the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission. He is now a Commercial Real Estate broker with CRE Mobile and is civically involved in serving as a Land Commissioner for the Mobile County Probate Court. Riehm and his wife, Debra, have four children.
“Timberland is one of Alabama’s most precious resources, and forestry products are integral to Alabama’s economy, so it is vitally important that we advance our forestry industries and protect their interests for posterity,” said Riehm. “The AFA is a tremendous advocate for our forestry community, and I appreciate their relentless efforts, so I am humbled and honored to earn their very important endorsement to serve as Senator for District 33.”
The General Election is November 8, 2022.
