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Candidate responds following stalker’s guilty plea, emphasizes courage will lead campaign

Statement from Alabama Agricultural and Industrial Committee Chair

Chairperson Christina Warner McInnis of the Alabama Agricultural and Industrial Committee has released a statement in light of Crate Clark’s guilty plea concerning stalking and harassment in Baldwin County.

For several months, McInnis and her daughters faced ongoing harassment and threats from Clark. The situation intensified to the point where it implied violence, which led to inquiries by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Orange Beach Police Department, and the FBI.

On Tuesday, Clark entered a guilty plea to charges of stalking and harassment, resulting in a 90-day sentence. Additionally, McInnis has been granted restraining orders against him.

McInnis provided the following statement:

“Politics can be good or bad, but today felt particularly tough. I’ve learned that many expect to see you smiling all the time.”

“The threats against me and my children were alarming, and it turns out he has targeted other women as well.”

“I prioritized my children’s safety and hope to prevent further incidents. In Alabama, threats can’t just go unchallenged.”

“I’m grateful for the justice we achieved today. Thanks to all who have supported my family and me during these hard months, including Anthony Lowry, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange Beach Police Department, the FBI, and others!”

McInnis expressed her hope that this experience would inspire other women experiencing harassment to come forward and emphasized the crucial role of law enforcement in safeguarding families.

A businessman and farmer from Baldwin County, McInnis participated in the 2026 Agricultural Industry Commissioner race earlier this year, positioning herself as a voice for rural communities and family farmers. She advocates for modernizing Alabama agriculture and enhancing the state’s agribusiness sector to meet future challenges.

Her campaign has already generated significant grassroots support, focusing on everyday farmers. McInnis has spoken candidly about her political journey and raising her daughter. Now, with this chapter behind her, she views the coming challenges as far more than just campaign issues.