3:33 PM SENATOR DONNIE CHESTEEN LAUNCHES RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 14, 2026

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SENATOR DONNIE CHESTEEN LAUNCHES RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Senator Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) qualified today to seek the Republican nomination to continue to represent District 29 in the Alabama State Senate. The district covers portions of Houston, Dale and all of Geneva County.

“I am proud of the work we have done to help the people of Alabama. We have cut taxes by more than $1.5 billion, slashed the state grocery tax in half and have worked to become the most veteran-friendly state in the country,” Chesteen said. “But there is still more to be done and I am asking the people of District 29 to send me back to Montgomery to continue to do the work that makes this a great place to live, work and raise our children and grandchildren.”

Since taking office, Chesteen has worked hard to improve the district’s economy. In just the last three years, his efforts have led to investments of more than $300 million and 900 new jobs in the region with $44 million of state funds returned to wiregrass. The addition of the Dothan campus of UAB Dental School, the Wiregrass Innovation Center and a Mental Health Crisis Center have all occurred during Chesteen’s tenure in the Senate.

“Our corner of the state is thriving,” Chesteen said. “I am committed to ensuring the positive growth and endless opportunity continues.”

Known throughout the legislature as a leader on education issues, he serves as the Chairman of the Senate’s Education Policy Committee. Under his leadership, the state has seen incredible improvements in math and reading scores. The latest assessments show that 88% of Alabama third-graders are reading on grade level. Math scores show that Alabama students made the biggest gains in the nation last year with Alabama now ranking 32nd nationally in math and 34th in reading.

“The gains we have made in education are nothing short of remarkable. We still have more to accomplish but we are very clearly moving in the right direction,” Chesteen said. “With continued improvements in math and reading, along with the partnership with the two-year college system that led to the establishment of the GTECH Career Center, I am optimistic about the future of education for Alabama’s young people.”

Chesteen also points to advancements that have been made in technology and infrastructure while in office. As the Chairman of the Digital Expansion Authority, he was an integral force in investing the resources needed to expand broadband service into homes and businesses in underserved areas. He also points to physical infrastructure improvements including the 4-laning of State Hwy 52 from Hartford to Dothan and the Ross Clark Circle project which is scheduled for completion in 2026.

The Republican primary election will be held on May 19, 2026.