GADSDEN– U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville visited Gadsden on October 5 as keynote speaker for the Etowah County Republican Party’s Reagan-Martin Dinner at The Venue at Coosa Landing.

The evening brought together party members, elected officials, candidates, and young people for a program of recognition and remarks. Tuberville’s address focused on education, workforce development, public safety, and his plans for Alabama.

Opening Ceremonies and Recognitions

Party chair Mistee Sosbee Ledbetter opened the program by welcoming attendees and reflecting on America’s 250th anniversary. She also asked the young people in the room to stand, recognizing them as the country’s future. Before introducing state Rep. Mark Gidley, she reminded attendees to vote in the November 3 election.

Gidley, who also serves as vice chair of logistics, spoke about prayer’s place in American history before leading the invocation. Donna Johnson then performed the national anthem, and vice chair Amy Minton led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Following the opening observances, party vice chair Davis Varner asked elected officials to stand for recognition. He thanked them for their leadership, dedication, and service to their communities. Varner also recognized Republican nominees seeking office in the upcoming election.

Later, Ledbetter returned to introduce Keith Den Hollander, senior vice president of policy for the Christian Coalition. During his presentation, Den Hollander discussed the John 10:10 project. The program also included presentation of the Friend of the Family award to state Rep. Mack Butler.

Butler thanked those present and spoke about his pride in Alabama and the importance of faith to his party. Later, party treasurer Ryan Preston presented contributions to Tim Ramsey, Craig Inzer Jr., Mack Butler, and Andrew Jones. Butler then introduced Tuberville for the keynote address.

Tuberville Discusses Alabama’s Future

Tuberville began by thanking Ledbetter, local party members, and Republican women for their support over the past six years. He also acknowledged the veterans honored during the evening and reflected on his father’s military service. Faith, family, and freedom were recurring themes as he discussed the nation’s anniversary and Alabama’s future.

Turning to his campaign for governor, Tuberville said he wanted to return home and help the state grow. Rather than retire to hunting and fishing, he told the audience, “I want to help.” He also spoke about his relationship with President Donald Trump and the opportunities he believes federal support could bring Alabama.

Much of the address centered on preparing young people for work and giving them reasons to build their lives in Alabama. Tuberville said students need a strong foundation in reading and mathematics, along with practical skills that employers need. He also emphasized keeping Alabama’s young people in the state while attracting new residents and businesses.

As part of that discussion, Tuberville highlighted Alan Smith and workforce development at Gadsden State Community College. He spoke about training students to work with their hands and helping them move from school into meaningful employment. In addition, he said improvements would require cooperation with Dr. Eric Mackey, the state education board, and Alabama’s college systems.

Tuberville also discussed the infrastructure needed to support economic growth, including water, electricity, and natural gas. He said Alabama should make better use of its resources and expand its energy capacity as businesses consider locating here. Throughout those remarks, he stressed having a plan and following through on it.

Public safety was another focus. Tuberville said safe streets and neighborhoods are essential to a community’s success, and he pledged support for law enforcement. He also spoke about working with city and county officials to improve opportunities across Alabama.

On education, Tuberville voiced support for the CHOOSE Act and parents having a greater role in selecting their children’s schools. He also discussed challenges facing farmers and the importance of a strong workforce. Linking employment to family well-being, he said more people working would help households and the state’s economy.

Before closing, Tuberville urged attendees to take part in the election and encourage others to vote. He again thanked Ledbetter and Republican women for their work, and said he wanted to build on Gov. Kay Ivey’s administration.

Tuberville’s visit drew on a career familiar to many Alabama residents. Before entering politics, he coached college football at Auburn, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, and Cincinnati. He later worked as a sports broadcaster and won election to the U.S. Senate in 2020.

Now the Republican nominee for Alabama governor, Tuberville faces Democratic nominee Doug Jones in the November 3 general election. Jones represented Alabama in the U.S. Senate from 2018 to 2021 and previously served as U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. His legal career also included prosecuting two former Ku Klux Klan members responsible for the 1963 bombing of Birmingham’s Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.

Finally, Ledbetter delivered closing remarks before Joe Neighbors led a rendition of God Bless America to conclude the evening.

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