Today, Yellowhammer News is proud to announce the fourth installment of its 12th annual “2024 Power & Influence 50.”

As this year's legislative session draws to a close, our team spent time speaking with key leaders and officials in state government to provide an inside look at the top people using their power and influence to serve the people they represent in the Yellow Hammer State. The list reflects recent policy and political developments and includes Alabama business leaders, lobbyists, consultants and elected officials.

The 2024 power and influence numbers 30-21 are here , 40-31 are here , and 50-41 are here . The 2024 “Who's Next?” list can be found here.

Tim Howe Senate President Pro Tempore

In his first legislative session as Chief of Staff to Senate Pro Tempore Greg Reed, the Senate laid out a conservative agenda and ran with it immediately. Howe assumed the role with a better insight into the true workings of the Alabama Legislature than nearly any regular would. He used that experience to serve the interests of Reed, Senate Republicans, and ultimately the people of Alabama. In terms of political cuisine, Tim Howe is a Michelin-starred chef. How many stars, exactly? That depends on who you ask. What is certain is that Howe is on better form than he's ever been. A first-time contributor to Power & Influence magazine, Howe is politely underrated.

Steve Windham Windham, Galliher & Associates

In Alabama politics, nothing happens without Windham in his seat. He has served as a state senator and lieutenant governor and today has more power and influence than ever before. He founded one of the most successful lobbying operations in Alabama and may be one of the state's best businessmen and entrepreneurs. He has assembled the best talent in Montgomery in terms of partners, associates and connections. When the Legislature is in session, Windham is in full charge. When not in session, whether it's appreciating Lake Martin, classic cars, gardening or planning his clients' next move, Windham is always busy.

Twinkle Cavanaugh, Chairman of the Alabama Public Utilities Commission

Twinkle Cavanaugh is on the Mount Rushmore of Alabama Republican politics. No state official has a better relationship with local Republican groups than she does. She is the first female chair of the Alabama Republican Party and one of the original retail politicians. The left hates her, but that's a good thing in a primary. She still holds the record for receiving the most votes in Alabama history for any non-presidential candidate. Twinkle Cavanaugh has solidified herself as the top candidate for Lt. Governor in 2026.

Arthur Orr Alabama Senate

Arthur Orr will have been in the Alabama State Senate for 20 years when he finishes his current term. He has been in the minority, he has been in the majority. He was General Fund Budget Chairman during a time of budget cuts, and now he is Education Budget Chairman during a time of surplus. A few years ago, he was the most influential senator in north Birmingham. Now, many of the most influential senators are in north Birmingham. Once upon a time, Orr picked his battles wisely. He still picks his battles calmly and methodically, but now he fights them more often and effectively. Of course, it's not because of the length of time he's been in office that he's topped our list for the past 12 years; it's because of the influence he's accumulated year after year.

Huston Smith, Alabama Power Company

Years ago, we wrote that if there is a public servant in the private sector, it is Huston Smith. He has been consistently described as a visionary leader who cares for others above himself. These two very different traits rarely, if ever, occur together. His vision is to make Alabama the greatest state it can be. He leads a corporate government relations department that is better equipped than any to advance that mission. His ability to motivate and encourage others, and find their wins along the way, is vital to the reputation he has built. He thinks big. But he bridges the gap between ideas and action. I don’t know if Huston Smith has ever heard the word “no.” Some say they have heard the word in his presence. But it seems he can’t really take it. For someone who has done so much for economic development, infrastructure, innovation, and unlocking Alabama’s potential, we are lucky he is so persistent.