News Summary
Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate has announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor. Supported by a coalition of business leaders, Pate aims to leverage his extensive experience in both business and public service to promote economic growth in Alabama. The campaign focuses on cutting regulations, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements. With primary elections approaching, Pate is seen as a significant contender among Republican candidates for the office.
Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate Announces Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor in 2026
Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate has officially declared his candidacy for the position of Lieutenant Governor in the upcoming 2026 election. Pate, who has held the role of Agriculture Commissioner since 2019 and was re-elected in 2022, will be seeking a higher office as he is term-limited in his current position.
In a show of support for Pate’s campaign, a coalition of Alabama business leaders known as Business Partners for Rick Pate has been formed. This group is mobilizing efforts to back his campaign, indicating strong confidence in his ability to lead and promote economic growth. The coalition emphasizes Pate’s extensive experience as a business owner, asserting that he is the most qualified candidate due to his years of founding, expanding, and managing a successful company.
Members of Business Partners for Rick Pate are actively working to recruit additional support from influential leaders throughout Alabama. They highlight the need for a pragmatic leader in the office of Lieutenant Governor, with one prominent member expressing that the business community needs someone who can take action rather than just make promises.
Pate founded Pate Landscape Co., a company he successfully operated for 38 years before transitioning to public service. His supporters point to his commitment to key issues that will shape Alabama’s economic future, including pledges to cut excessive regulation, expand workforce development initiatives, and enhance investment in critical infrastructure such as roads, ports, broadband, and industrial parks. Furthermore, he is committed to promoting affordable and reliable energy for businesses across the state.
One of the goals of Pate’s campaign is to build upon the momentum of recent advancements in Alabama’s workforce development, further positioning the state for economic success. The coalition spearheading his support consists of various notable business leaders representing different sectors, all united in their belief that Pate can make a significant impact as Lieutenant Governor.
As Pate prepares for his campaign, he enters a competitive field of Republicans seeking to succeed the term-limited Will Ainsworth, the current Lieutenant Governor. The primary election for the Alabama Republican Party is scheduled to take place on May 19, 2026, providing an opportunity for Pate to secure his position as a frontrunner among candidates.
Pate’s background in public service is extensive. Raised on a family cattle farm in Lowndes County, he graduated from Auburn University in 1978 with a degree in horticulture. Prior to his role as Agriculture Commissioner, Pate served for 14 years as the mayor of Lowndesboro. He has also played an active role in national politics, serving as a delegate at the Republican National Convention and representing Alabama as an elector for President Donald Trump in both the 2020 and 2024 elections.
During his tenure as Agriculture Commissioner, Pate has initiated several successful programs including Sweet Grown Alabama, the expansion of the Farm-to-School program, and the “Thank a Farmer” campaign, all aimed at fostering community engagement and promoting agricultural literacy in the state.
As the election cycle approaches, it remains to be seen how Pate’s strong business background and public service experience will resonate with voters in Alabama. With the coalition backing him and a clear platform focused on economic issues, Pate is positioned as a key player in the upcoming election for Lieutenant Governor.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Al Daily News: Business Partners for Rick Pate
- Yellowhammer News: Coalition of Alabama Business Leaders
- WSFA: Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Announces Bid
- ABC 33/40: Rick Pate Announces Bid for Alabama Lieutenant Governor
- AL.com: Alabama Agriculture Chief Running for Office
- Wikipedia: Rick Pate
- Google Search: Rick Pate Lieutenant Governor
- Google Scholar: Rick Pate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rick Pate
- Google News: Rick Pate
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
