Selma native Robert L. Stewart to run for Alabama State Senate District 23

Selma native Robert L. Stewart has announced that he will run for Alabama State Senate District 23 currently held by Malika Sanders-Fortier, who is running for governor. 

A press release from Stewart states that he is running on a populist platform with the motto "Restoring Power to the People". In the release he said that he will focus on getting financial assistance for the district. 

“These past few years, rural communities have endured so much hardship: a global pandemic, increased health disparities, economic uncertainty, the shuttering of small businesses, disruption of education, and so much more," he said. "However, with tragedy comes great opportunity for transformation and meaningful investments in our communities for the future."

"Much needed financial resources have been pushed down to our state from the federal government and when elected, I will advocate at full throttle to ensure that District 23 receives its fair share. Through my fiscal, policy, and constituent services experiences at the state, municipal, and local level I have been equipped with the transferrable skills needed to serve in the State Senate.”

Stewart's educational background includes Tuskegee University and Kennesaw State University in Georgia.

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He is a graduate of the Congressional Black Caucus Institute Boot Camp and was elected to the inaugural Youth Caucus of the newly reformed Alabama Democratic Party State Executive Committee.

He works in an advocacy role at Public Citizen, Inc., a Washington D.C. based nonprofit. 

In the press release he mentioned addressing infrastructure, broadband access and other issues:   

“The splendor of District 23 is truly something to behold. From the Civil Rights sites of Selma/Marion to the delicious delicacy known as Conecuh sausage that hails from Conecuh Co., to the tourism destinations of Monroe County, this region is ripe with promise. Many people have been left behind and have yet to see a recovery and investments in economic development, health care, education, infrastructure, and most importantly people are essential."

“Our people, all of us deserve better. Infrastructure has a direct impact on one’s quality of life. It is more than roads and bridges, it includes sewage and environmental issues that plague our counties, further, we have communities with inadequate broadband connections and that barely even have cell phone service—this is unacceptable in the 21st century. When elected, I will work tirelessly to improve the quality of life of all Alabamians in the great District of 23.”