Businessman Jamie Kiel has qualified to run for the Republican nomination in State House District 18, hoping to replace long-time Democrat Johnny Mack Morrow.

“It would be a privilege to represent the people of Colbert, Franklin, and Lauderdale Counties.  What we need representing us is a businessman with common-sense solutions to the state’s problems”, Kiel said. “I am a Republican who has built and grown a business right here in House District 18.  I know what it takes to meet payrolls. I also know our state government unnecessarily regulates small business.

A graduate of Russellville High School, Kiel started his company — Kiel Equipment— while getting his Management and Marketing degree at the University of North Alabama. What started out as a local business 22 years ago now serves customers across Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee, selling and leasing mowers, tractors, and other heavy duty equipment.

In his spare time, Kiel is a coach for his daughters’ youth basketball teams.

Kiel and his wife, Melissa, have three daughters.  Melissa is an educator and was named Franklin County Schools Teacher of the Year for 2016.  The family attends Tharptown Baptist Church, where Kiel served as the music director for 20 years.

In addition to Russellville, State House District 18 includes the cities of Cherokee, Red Bay, Vina, Hodges and Waterloo.