NFIB backs Tuberville, continuing streak of GOP endorsements

The National Federation of Independent Business’ Alabama political action committee announced Thursday that it has endorsed U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, for governor. The PAC, which is composed of NFIB members from across the state, cited Tuberville’s support for small business and commitment to lowering taxes and pursuing deregulation as the driving factors behind the endorsement.

“Tommy Tuberville understands that small business owners need more room to run their businesses and less government paperwork,” Rosemary Elebash, NFIB’s state director, said. “He has stood with our members in the U.S. Senate, earning a 100 percent NFIB Voting Record. His record shows that he listens to small business owners.”

The PAC specifically highlighted Tuberville’s support for repealing the Corporate Transparency Act’s beneficial ownership information reporting requirements as evidence of his support for small business. The mandate, which the Trump administration repealed in August, was designed to help law enforcement identify and investigate shell companies used by illicit actors. NFIB Alabama celebrated the repeal at the time and has since called for repealing the Corporate Transparency Act in its entirety.

In its endorsement, the organization also touted Tuberville’s gubernatorial platform, which calls for lowering taxes, “eliminating waste and fraud” and continuing business recruitment and economic development efforts in the state.

“Small businesses need a governor who will keep taxes in check and make it easier to start and grow a business,” Elebash said. “We look forward to working with [Tuberville] to help Alabama’s small businesses succeed.”

In an official statement, the Republican nominee thanked the PAC for its support and pledged to “unleash Alabama’s economic potential” if elected governor.

“I’m honored to have scored a 100 on NFIB’s scorecard,” Tuberville said. “As a small business owner, I have seen firsthand the devastating impacts that burdensome government regulations can have on a bottom line. That’s why I’ve fought hard to get rid of red tape and lower taxes while serving in the U.S. Senate. As Alabama’s next governor, I’ll continue doing whatever it takes to unleash Alabama’s economic potential and make sure our small business owners are set up for success.”

Tuberville is just the latest Republican candidate to receive NFIB Alabama’s endorsement ahead of the midterm elections. The PAC has also backed the Republican nominees for Alabama attorney general and Alabama commissioner of agriculture and industries, as well as the full slate of Republican nominees running for Congress. NFIB Alabama has also endorsed 111 state legislative candidates—the vast majority of whom are Republicans.

According to the latest polling, Tuberville currently leads Democratic nominee Doug Jones in the governor’s race, standing at 51.2 percent compared to Jones’ 40 percent, while 8.9 percent of voters remain undecided. Election Day is November 3.