WASHINGTON — Manufacture Alabama announced its endorsement of U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville Wednesday in his bid to become Alabama’s next governor.
During the trade association’s visit to Washington, D.C., President of Manufacture Alabama Jon Barganier made the endorsement official. He said the board of directors unanimously approved the endorsement.
“This is the earliest we’ve ever endorsed a gubernatorial candidate in the history of our association,” Barganier said. “That’s how big a deal it is.”
Manufacture Alabama represents hundreds of companies in the state, which contribute to an annual economic impact of $40 billion a year for Alabama.
“Manufacture Alabama seeks to endorse pro-business candidates who will advocate on behalf of manufacturers in Alabama,” Barganier said in a statement to Alabama Daily News. “Coach Tuberville values the impact of manufacturing and has emphasized his commitment to work with our association and member companies as our next governor.”
“Coach has the work ethic and vision to ensure Alabama has the workforce, infrastructure and energy required for manufacturing to thrive in the great state of Alabama.”
Tuberville told the association that he’s focused on growing the state and expanding the workforce.
“The three things that we’ve got to have, we’re going to work hard on are energy, transportation, and workforce,” Tuberville said.
In his remarks to the association, Tuberville touched on tariffs, efforts to bring companies to Alabama, deregulation, and workforce development.
Tuberville announced his campaign to succeed term-limited Gov. Kay Ivey last Tuesday. The latest campaign finance report shows he’s raised over $3 million in the past week.
Club for Growth PAC and the Petroleum & Convenience Marketers Association of Alabama have also endorsed Tuberville’s gubernatorial bid.