Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate Announces 2026 Lieutenant Governor Bid

Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate has announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor in the 2026 election as he reaches his term limit in his current role. A conservative Republican, Pate emphasizes his background in agriculture and public service, including his tenure as mayor of Lowndesboro and his leadership in launching initiatives like "Sweet Grown Alabama" and expanding the Farm-to-School program. He pledges to support President Donald Trump and Senator Tommy Tuberville by advancing an "America First Agenda" focused on family prosperity, agriculture, and conservative values. Pate has also served as president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture and was an elector for Trump in both 2020 and 2024. He highlights the importance of food security and advocates for farmers, small businesses, rural communities, and veterans. Pate will compete in the Republican primary against candidates including Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, with the primary set for May 2026 and the general election in November 2026.