MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Department of Agriculture Rick Pate announced Monday he will be running for lieutenant governor in 2026, joining a growing Republican field vying for the position and pledging to advance an “America first agenda” in support of President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, should he win his own bid for governor.
“I’ve spent my life working the land, running a business, and serving my neighbors,” Pate said Monday in a statement. “As lieutenant governor, I’ll bring that same hands-on leadership to supporting President Trump and Coach Tuberville in advancing the American First Agenda – so Alabama stays a place where families thrive, agriculture prospers, and conservative values lead the way.”
A Republican, Pate has led the state’s AG Department since 2018, and previously served as the mayor of Lowndesboro near Montgomery for 14 years. He is a 1978 graduate from Auburn University, and the founder of Pate Landscape Company, which he ran for 38 years.
Current Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, after mulling a bid for governor for years, announced last month that he would instead be entering the private sector, likely in part due to Tuberville being expected to declare his candidacy for the state’s highest office.
Pate will have to compete against Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen in the Republican primary election, who announced his bid for lieutenant governor back in February. Pate has previously said he spoke with Allen ahead of his decision to launch his campaign.
While AG commissioner, Pate launched the “Sweet Grown Alabama” branding program to promote local agricultural products, expanded the state’s Farm-to-School initiative, and led the “Thank a Farmer” campaign to increase public appreciation for farmers. During his tenure, he also served as the president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and was elected as an RNC delegate and one of nine Alabama Electoral College electors for Trump in both 2020 and 2024. He said that ensuring farmers are supported will be a top priority of his if elected.
“Food security is national security,” he said. “Our farmers are frontline workers and often underappreciated, and I’m committed to ensuring they have the support they need to feed Alabama and beyond.”
Pate is term limited as AG commissioner and cannot run for reelection. The primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026, and the general election, Nov. 3, 2026.