Cynthia Almond reportedly being considered for Public Service Commission President

June 5, 2025 – TUSCALOOSA, AL – Multiple sources have reported that State Representative Cynthia Almond (R-Tuscaloosa) is the favorite candidate to receive a governor's appointment to be Public Service Commission President.

The position became vacant last week when past President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh (R) accepted a presidential appointment to head USDA's Rural Development Office in Alabama.

Cynthia Lee Almond is an American attorney and politician serving as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 63rd district. She assumed office on October 20, 2021, succeeding Bill Poole. Almond is a Republican and has been actively involved in public service for many years.

Education & Career

Almond earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Spanish from the University of Alabama, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law. She has operated an independent law firm since 2008 and previously served as a member of the Tuscaloosa City Council from 2005 to 2021.

Political Career

In 2021, Almond was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, where she has been involved in various legislative efforts. Notably, in 2023, she was the sole Republican "nay" vote on an anti-ESG bill that passed in a 74-27 vote. She has also served on several committees, including the Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee, State Government Committee, Tuscaloosa County Legislation Committee, and House Judiciary Committee.

Sources had expected this appointment to go to either Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate (R) or Republican attorney Caroleene Dobson – who ran for Congress in 2024. Both have reportedly expressed to the governor that they are not interested in the opinion.

Other persons who have been mentioned as possible contenders for the PSC Presidency are PSC Commissioner Jeremy Oden (R), Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, and attorney Brent Woodall – who previously ran for PSC Commissioner.

The Governor's appointee will serve out the remainder of Cavanaugh's term and will have to face the voters in 2028.

Governor Kay Ivey (R) is expected to announce her decision as early as Friday.

(A.I. contributed to the composition of this article.)