Rick Pate Makes His Case for Lieutenant Governor on The Brandon and Christopher Show

Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate (R) used his appearance on The Brandon and Christopher Show to outline a lieutenant governor campaign built on tax reform, rural investment, and a promise to keep the 2026 race civil. Drawing on his business background and two terms in statewide office, Pate framed himself as a steady, practical conservative focused on long‑term competitiveness for Alabama.

Pate joined Brandon Moseley and Christopher Peeks for a wide‑ranging conversation about his 2026 campaign for lieutenant governor, offering one of his most detailed public explanations yet of why he's running and what he hopes to accomplish. The interview touched on taxes, infrastructure, rural healthcare, and the tone of the upcoming race-issues that resonate deeply with Alabama voters heading into a crowded Republican primary.

A Crowded Field and a Grassroots Start

Pate acknowledged that the lieutenant governor's race is unusually packed, with multiple well‑known Republicans already campaigning across the state. That crowded field, he said, has made fundraising more challenging, but he emphasized that early feedback from voters has been overwhelmingly positive.

He described his campaign as grounded in retail politics, traveling to small towns, farm communities, and civic groups-an approach consistent with his tenure as agriculture commissioner. Pate said voters appreciate candidates who "show up, listen, and don't talk down to them," and he believes that approach will help him stand out.

Tax Reform: Competing With Neighboring States

One of the strongest themes of the interview was tax competitiveness. Pate argued that Alabama risks falling behind neighboring states like Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia-states that have either eliminated or significantly reduced income taxes.

He expressed support for gradually lowering Alabama's income tax and ultimately moving toward elimination if the state's revenue structure allows it. He also reiterated his long‑held position that Alabama should finish the job on the grocery tax, removing the remaining two cents to ease the burden on working families.

Pate framed tax reform not as a political talking point but as an economic necessity. Lower taxes, he argued, help attract businesses, retain high‑earning professionals, and strengthen long‑term growth.

Infrastructure and Rural Investment

Pate also highlighted the need for major infrastructure investment, especially in rural Alabama. He pointed to roads, bridges, and broadband as areas where the state must improve to remain competitive.

He noted that rural communities often feel overlooked in statewide planning, and he wants the lieutenant governor's office to play a more active role in coordinating priorities between legislators, local officials, and the governor's administration.

Pate said he has upcoming meetings with legislative leaders to align on infrastructure goals for the next session, emphasizing that a unified approach is essential for meaningful progress.

Healthcare Access in Rural Alabama

The interview also touched on rural healthcare, an issue Pate said cannot be ignored. He referenced the governor's task force on healthcare access, which has recommended expanding telehealth, improving ambulance service, and strengthening partnerships between rural hospitals and larger medical centers.

Pate did not endorse any single proposal but said the state must be realistic about the challenges rural communities face. "If people can't get to a hospital in time, or if the hospital can't stay open, that's not a sustainable system," he said.

A Call for a Civil Campaign

In a political climate often defined by negativity, Pate said he hopes the 2026 lieutenant governor's race remains civil and issues‑focused. He emphasized that public service should not be about tearing opponents down and that Alabama voters deserve a campaign centered on ideas, not insults.

He also spoke briefly about his family's support-particularly his wife's encouragement-and how his experience running a business shapes his approach to government. Pate said he wants to bring a "business‑minded, problem‑solving" style to the lieutenant governor's office.

Looking Ahead

Pate's interview on The Brandon and Christopher Show offered voters a clearer picture of his priorities: tax reform, rural investment, infrastructure, and a commitment to respectful campaigning. With the Republican primary still months away and the field continuing to grow, his message of steady leadership and economic competitiveness will likely remain central to his pitch.

If the tone of this interview is any indication, Rick Pate plans to run a campaign rooted in policy, experience, and a belief that Alabama's future depends on practical, long‑term planning rather than political theatrics.