Tuberville Addresses Education, Workforce, Public Safety During Etowah County GOP Reagan-Martin Dinner in Gadsden
TWLN Staff Writer | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News | Tuesday, October 6, 2026
GADSDEN, Ala. — U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville visited Gadsden Monday evening, October 5, serving as the keynote speaker for the Etowah County Republican Party’s Reagan-Martin Dinner at The Venue at Coosa Landing.
The annual gathering brought together Republican Party members, elected officials, candidates, community leaders and young people for an evening of recognition, presentations and political remarks. Tuberville’s keynote address focused heavily on education, workforce development, economic growth, public safety and his vision for Alabama’s future.
Etowah County Republican Party Chair Mistee Sosbee Ledbetter opened the evening by welcoming those in attendance and reflecting on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. She also asked the young people in attendance to stand, recognizing them as the future of the country, and reminded those present of the importance of participating in the November 3 general election.
State Rep. Mark Gidley, who also serves as the party’s vice chair of logistics, spoke about the role of prayer throughout American history before delivering the invocation. Donna Johnson performed the national anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by party Vice Chair Amy Minton.
Vice Chair Davis Varner later recognized elected officials in attendance, thanking them for their leadership and service to their communities. Republican nominees seeking office in the upcoming election were also recognized.
The program continued with Ledbetter introducing Keith Den Hollander, senior vice president of policy for the Christian Coalition, who spoke about the John 10:10 Project. State Rep. Mack Butler was also presented with the Friend of the Family Award.
Butler thanked those in attendance and spoke about his pride in Alabama and the importance of faith. Party Treasurer Ryan Preston later presented contributions to Tim Ramsey, Craig Inzer Jr., Butler and Andrew Jones before Butler introduced Tuberville as the evening’s keynote speaker.
Tuberville began his remarks by thanking Ledbetter, local Republican Party members and Republican women for their support over the past six years. He also recognized veterans in attendance and reflected on his father’s military service, repeatedly returning to the themes of faith, family and freedom.
Speaking about his campaign for governor, Tuberville said he wants to return home and help Alabama continue growing rather than step away from public service.
“I want to help,” Tuberville told the audience.
He also discussed his relationship with President Donald Trump and said he believes a strong working relationship with the federal government could create additional opportunities for Alabama.
A significant portion of Tuberville’s remarks centered on education and workforce development. He said Alabama students need a strong foundation in reading and mathematics while also having access to practical training that prepares them for available jobs.
Tuberville emphasized the importance of giving young Alabamians reasons to remain in the state after completing their education while also attracting new residents, employers and industries.
During those remarks, he highlighted Alan Smith and workforce development efforts at Gadsden State Community College, discussing the importance of training students for skilled careers and helping them transition from the classroom into meaningful employment.
Tuberville said improving education and workforce preparation would require cooperation among state leaders, including State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey, the Alabama State Board of Education and the state’s college systems.
Economic growth, he said, must also be supported by adequate infrastructure. Tuberville discussed the importance of water, electricity and natural gas availability as communities compete for new businesses and industries. He said Alabama should make better use of its resources, increase energy capacity where necessary and develop long-term plans that can be carried through to completion.
Public safety was another major theme of the address.
Tuberville said safe streets and neighborhoods are essential to the success of Alabama communities and pledged continued support for law enforcement. He also spoke about working with municipal and county leaders to create opportunities throughout the state.
On education policy, Tuberville expressed support for Alabama’s CHOOSE Act and for giving parents a greater role in determining where their children attend school.
He also addressed challenges facing Alabama farmers and connected workforce participation with stronger families and communities, saying increased employment would benefit individual households as well as the state’s broader economy.
As he brought his remarks to a close, Tuberville encouraged attendees to participate in the November election and to encourage others to vote. He again thanked Ledbetter and Republican women for their work and said he hopes to build upon the work of Gov. Kay Ivey’s administration.
Tuberville is widely known in Alabama for his career in college football before entering politics. He served as head football coach at Auburn, Ole Miss, Texas Tech and Cincinnati and later worked in sports broadcasting before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020.
Tuberville is the Republican nominee for Alabama governor and will face Democratic nominee Doug Jones in the November 3 general election.
Following Tuberville’s remarks, Ledbetter delivered closing comments before Joe Neighbors led those gathered in a rendition of “God Bless America,” bringing the evening to a close.
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