By Gary Lloyd
State Sen. Slade Blackwell, R-Mountain Brook, will run for re-election to the Alabama State Senate rather than pursue a seat in Congress.
“After careful consideration and discussing the decision with my wife and family, I’ve decided not to run for the 6th Congressional District, but instead, to seek re-election to continue to represent the people of District 15 in Alabama’s State Senate,” Blackwell said in a statement. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and encouragement I have received over the past several days. I’m confident that I can make the greatest difference in improving the lives of Alabamians by continuing my work in Montgomery as state Senator for Jefferson, Shelby and Talladega Counties. I have been honored with the confidence the people of District 15 entrusted in me in 2010 and I hope they will allow me to continue working for them in Montgomery for another 4 years.”
Blackwell was considered an early favorite among several candidates for the Sixth Congressional District seat held by Rep. Spencer Bachus, who announced recently that his 2014 term will be his last. State Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, announced last week that he would not run for the Congress seat.
Blackwell is serving his first term in the Alabama State Senate, representing Jefferson and Shelby counties in District 15. Blackwell is a regular contributor to The Trussville Tribune.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.