Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth has endorsed former Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Gina Ross for the former House District 27 seat. Mr. Ainsworth held the position from 2014 to 2018.

“I have known Gina Ross for a long time and admire her for her high moral standards, traditional values, dedication to her Christian faith, and her determination to improve the state of Alabama for all of us. , is evident in the way she lives her daily life,” said Ainsworth, who still lives in the area and is raising her children.

Ainsworth highly praised Ross's work in the field of education.

“As a classroom teacher, Gina taught each student valuable life lessons that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. And as director of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, she taught children across the state the following… We've given you the tools to one day find a long-term, well-paying 21st century job.”

RELATED: Gina Ross, a key leader in Alabama's pre-K success, enters House District 27 race

He also said Ross' efforts are helping the state in several areas, not just education.

“Her work to ensure Alabama remains a national leader in early childhood education will help us recruit new industries, attract investment, and provide more support for current and future generations,” Ainsworth said. “We can continue to create job opportunities.”

The lieutenant governor described Ross as a leader who is “driven by God to move forward and help make an already great state even better.”

“I will do everything in my power to elect Gina Ross to the Alabama House of Representatives, and I ask my friends, neighbors, and supporters across HD27 to join me in this action,” Ainsworth said. said.

Ross, a Republican from Guntersville, announced his candidacy for the vacant post earlier this week. As of Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Kay Ivey has yet to call a special election to fill Sen.-elect Wes Kitchens' (R-Arab) seat, so no candidates have officially qualified.

“As a career educator, continuing to improve Alabama's public schools is a passion of mine, but I also have a passion for others, including combating illegal immigration, creating jobs, and protecting traditional morals and conservative values. We will also focus on important issues,” Ross said in his book. Campaign announcement.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.