From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE –Much of the buzz about the upcoming 2018 mid-term elections has centered around Alabama Democrats, fresh off of the Doug Jones stunner, challenging for more state offices.
Jones’ win over Roy Moore energized the Democrats, drew national attention and talk of a blue surge in Alabama. As expected, the Democrats did indeed increase the number of candidates for statewide offices and state legislative seats over their 2014 numbers.
But two local Republican incumbents won’t be facing a challenger from the Democrats or the Republicans.
Danny Garrett
photo courtesy of Principle Portrait Group
While political observers will be watching Alabama for signs of purple, Tribune country will remain solidly Republican red. Representative Danny Garrett and state senator Shay Shelnutt will be unopposed in the run for their second terms.
Garrett and Shelnutt have both moved up the power ladder in Montgomery. More importantly, given Alabama’s most recent turmoil, the two have remained scandal-free. They were among the first legislators to demand that former governor Robert Bentley resign.
In his first four years, Garrett has found his way to some powerful committees including Ways and Means, Fiscal Responsibility, Commerce and Small Business, and Education Policy. He’s also earned bipartisan support for legislation that he’s sponsored.
“It has been a privilege and an honor to have served for the past four years as the State Representative for House District 44,” Garrett said. “I am humbled and honored that I will not face opposition in the 2018 primary and general election. I look forward to serving the people of Clay, Pinson and Trussville as their representative in Montgomery for four more years. I promise to work hard and do all I can to serve our district with honor and integrity.”
Shay Shelnutt
file photo by Ron Burkett
Shelnutt has emerged as part of a coalition of conservative senators who have steadfastly refused to raise taxes or expand government regulation. While that’s raised the ire of some in the media, it’s exactly what the voters back home expected when they elected him. He has also landed solid committee appointments including Banking and Insurance, Confirmations, Governmental Affairs, and Education and Youth Affairs.
“I have been honored to serve as the State Senator for senate district 17 composing of parts of Jefferson, Blount, St Clair and Talladega Counties,” Shelnutt said. “This past Friday, qualifying for the 2018 elections ended and I am truly humbled to share that I will have no Republican opponent in the June primary or Democrat opponent in the November general election. I look forward to returning to Montgomery and representing the good men, women and families of Senate District 17.”
