Successful Primary Election for BankPAC

Through its state political action committee, BankPAC, the Alabama Bankers Association made numerous campaign contributions to candidates who emerged victorious from last night’s Republican and Democratic Primary Elections.  Specifically, candidates in 73 statewide executive, judicial, and legislative races received a combined total of $247,500 in BankPAC donations prior to the primary, and at the end of the night, 95 cents of every donated dollar were contributed to a candidate who either won a primary race outright or will be on the primary runoff ballot next month. The association deeply appreciates the banks and bankers whose generous contributions to BankPAC allowed ABA to have a successful election night.

Of special note are two House of Representatives races involving Alabama bankers. In the House District 6 race (near Huntsville), Andy Whitt ran unopposed to succeed the retiring Rep. Phil Williams. Whitt is the Alabama Market President for the First National Bank of Pulaski, Tennessee.  In the House District 87 race (near Dothan), Jeff Sorrells bested his primary opponent 2-to-1 to succeed Rep. (and soon-to-be-Senator) Donnie Chesteen. Sorrells is a lender at the First National Bank of Hartford, Alabama, where he also serves as mayor. The association was proud to make an early, but significant, donation to each of these candidates using BankPAC funds, and we look forward to working with both of these bankers.

Obviously, the election season is far from over. Numerous races on both sides of the political aisle will be decided in the primary runoff election on July 17 as well as in the general election in November. But for many offices, last night’s results give a clear, if not final, indication on who will hold the office for the next four years. The association looks forward to monitoring these races and contributing to candidates as appropriate between now and the end of the election season.  As we continue this process, your input, especially in local legislative races, is invaluable. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to ABA Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs Jason Isbell at jisbell@alabamabankers.com if you have any helpful insight on Alabama’s political races.  And thank you again for your support of the Alabama Bankers Association.