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Lowndesboro’s own Rick Pate holds the office of Alabama’s Agriculture and Industries Commissioner. Recently the Lowndes County native declared his candidacy for another office, announcing his bid for Alabama’s Lt. Governor.

The businessman who served as Lowndesboro mayor for 14 years said the office seemed the next logical step in his aim to serve Alabamians. If elected, he pledges to bring the same hands-on leadership experience to bear in the state’s second-highest elected office.

“When I ran for Ag Commissioner, I’m not sure I knew what I was getting myself into,” he joked, recalling the multitude of ways the agency works for Alabama citizens.

“We ended up impacting everybody’s life, every day, through Weights and MEASURES, making sure people are treated fairly at the gas pump or when they make a purchase at Dollar General or Winn Dixie using produce scales. We make sure consumers are treated with fairness and touch everyone’s lives with food safety.

Pate explained his role of ensuring animal health, a critical element in the success of Alabama farmers.

“The cattle and poultry industry is so huge and important to Alabama’s economy and we’re charged with protecting it,” he said.

Pate is former owner of Pate Landscaping, a business he operated for 38 years. He sold the business one year after being elected as Ag Commissioner in 2018 and now focuses solely on the task of serving Alabamians.

As Lt. Governor Pate expects to assume the responsibilities of working along Alabama’s next governor, potentially Senator Tommy Tubberville who declared his candidacy in late May.

“I have such a good relationship with Coach Tubberville,” Pate said. “We talk every month or so. I have a great relationship with most of our senators. I think [being elected as Lt. Governor] would be an opportunity to get more done and help the coach with his agenda. It’s a meaningful way to continue to serve the people of Alabama.”

The commissioner has a proven track record, working for citizens of all ages. As an active partner of FFA (Future Farmers of America), Pate was honored by induction into the Alabama FFA Foundation Wall of Honor, joining the ranks of individuals providing exceptional support and service to the Alabama FFA Association and the agriculture industry.

Pate lives in Lowndesboro with his wife, Julie Dismukes Pate. He welcomes community members to be on the lookout for campaign information and to support his bid for office by visiting www.rickpate.us or mailing donations to Rick Pate – P.O. Box 98, Lowndesboro, AL 36752.