Nicole Jones Wadsworth Highlights Manufacturing as Pillar of Alabama's Prosperity

August 22, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL - Republican lieutenant governor candidate Nicole Jones Wadsworth is placing Alabama's manufacturing sector at the heart of her economic platform, calling it a "cornerstone" of statewide prosperity. In a recent statement, Wadsworth emphasized the sector's role in job creation, exports, and community development:

"Manufacturing is a cornerstone of Alabama's economy, supporting over 250,000 jobs and driving billions in exports each year. It strengthens our urban and rural communities alike by providing high-wage, high-skill careers and attracting investment across industries like automotive, aerospace, agriculture, and advanced materials. A strong manufacturing sector means a stronger, more self-reliant Alabama."

Wadsworth, an economic development specialist from Huntsville, has long advocated for policies that expand industrial recruitment and workforce training. Her campaign for lieutenant governor-launched earlier this year-focuses on leveraging Alabama's industrial strengths to foster long-term growth across all regions.

From Steel to Space: Alabama's Manufacturing Footprint

Alabama's manufacturing sector spans a wide array of industries:

• Automotive: Home to major facilities for Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Toyota, Alabama ranks among the top auto-producing states in the U.S.

• Aerospace: Huntsville anchors the state's aerospace and defense corridor, with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal driving innovation.

• Agriculture & Food Processing: Rural counties benefit from manufacturing tied to poultry, catfish, and crop-based products.

• Advanced Materials: From carbon fiber to precision metalwork, Alabama's technical manufacturing base continues to expand.

According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, manufacturing accounts for roughly 17% of the state's GDP and supports over a quarter million jobs-many of which offer wages above the state average.

Policy Implications and Regional Equity

Wadsworth's emphasis on manufacturing reflects a broader push among state leaders to ensure economic development reaches both urban centers and rural communities. Her campaign has signaled support for:

• Expanding industrial parks and site readiness programs

• Strengthening career tech and STEM education pipelines

• Supporting export infrastructure and trade partnerships

• Promoting rural broadband and logistics access

Her message resonates with voters in regions like the Wiregrass, Black Belt, and Tennessee Valley, where manufacturing has helped stabilize local economies and reverse population decline.

Alabama's 2026 lieutenant governor race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive contests in a blockbuster election year. With no incumbent in the field, the race has drawn a crowded slate of Republican candidates, including Wadsworth, Secretary of State Wes Allen, retired Army officer Patrick Bishop, George Childress, Pastor Dean Odle, and Ag. Commissioner Rick Pate. While the office no longer controls the State Senate as it once did, it remains a high-profile platform for shaping statewide policy and economic priorities. Candidates are expected to focus on issues ranging from industrial development and education to rural infrastructure and workforce readiness. With all 140 legislative seats also on the ballot, the lieutenant governor's race will play a key role in defining Alabama's political direction for the next quadrennium.