Acting Alabama House Speaker Doesn’t Want Job Permanently

Acting House Speaker Victor Gaston says he will not seek the position permanently.

The Mobile Republican announced Wednesday that Gaston will not be a candidate for speaker. Gaston says he was grateful to the colleagues and friends who encouraged him to seek the post. He says he will dedicate his remaining time as acting speaker to making sure House functions run smoothly.

Gaston was elected as House speaker pro tem. He took over the duties of speaker after Mike Hubbard was convicted of ethics charges. Hubbard was automatically removed from office after the conviction.

The House of Representatives will elect a new speaker the next time lawmakers convene. The 2017 legislative session begins in February. However, Gov. Robert Bentley has discussed the possibility of a special session.

Acting House Speaker Victor Gaston (R – Mobile) on Wednesday released the following statement regarding his possible candidacy to seek the post of Speaker of the Alabama House:

“After careful thought and much prayerful consideration, I have decided that I will not be a candidate for Speaker of the House when the Alabama Legislature convenes again. While I am deeply grateful to the constituents, colleagues, friends, and family who have encouraged me to seek the job, I do not feel God calling me in that direction.

I will continue serving as Speaker Pro Tem and will dedicate my time, efforts, and energies to fulfilling the duties of that position and to representing the citizens of House District 100.

In my remaining time as Acting Speaker, I will work to ensure that the daily administrative functions of the House operate smoothly and that the body continues to have a steady hand guiding its course through sometimes turbulent waters.”

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