"Agriculture is the number one economy in the state and we want to continue to make it the forefront in people’s minds and give the credit to the farmers that they deserve. " - Corey Hill
In the News
Douglas Mayor Corey Hill running for Ag commissioner in 2026
MONTGOMERY — Douglas Mayor Corey Hill is running to be the next Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.
The office will be without an incumbent in 2026 since the commissioner, Rick Pate, is term-limited. Pate has been linked to possible runs for governor or lieutenant governor in 2026.
Hill told 1819 News recently he’d be pursuing the Republican nomination in 2026 and was already on track to visit all 67 counties by the end of May.
“I grew up on a farm and still currently farm but my day job (is) we have a poultry farm, a cattle farm, and a grocery store. Food safety is important to me. I understand that. Over the years, we’ve had recalls in the grocery store. When you eat in Alabama, you don’t think about if your food is safe or not to eat. We’re going to continue to fight to still make that a reality,” Hill said.
Hill described the commissioner’s job as a “very important role in state government.”
“Regulations are hard on farmers. We’re going to work to maintain those at a low level,” Hill said. “The Sweet Grown Alabama program the ag department has done has been phenomenal and I want to continue to expand that. Right now, there’s a program where they take farmers’ food and sell it to the schools’ lunch rooms. I’d love to expand that program. There was a rural crime division at one time that ran through the ag department, I’d love to bring that back. A lot of times, somebody steals your cattle trailer or your cows, it’s tough to get your local PD or your Sheriff’s Office, and they had a division for that at one time. I’d love to get that back in place. That’s important to our rural folks in the county.”
He continued, “Agriculture is the number one economy in the state and we want to continue to make that be the forefront in people’s minds and give the credit to the farmers that they deserve. There’s just so many things that the ag department touches in everyday life.”
Hill, a lifelong resident of Douglas, is a graduate of Douglas High School and Snead State College and attended Jacksonville State University.
Other candidates for the Republican nomination for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries in 2026 include State Sen. Jack Williams (R-Wilmer) and Christina Woerner McInnis.
Original article posted Douglas Mayor Corey Hill running for Ag commissioner in 2026
Ag commissioner candidate Corey Hill pushes for reviving rural crime task force, lower taxes, deregulation
GUNTERSVILLE — Candidate for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Corey Hill made a campaign stop last week in Guntersville, where he spoke about his plans for deregulation, bringing back a rural crime task force, and expanding Sweet Grown Alabama, should he take office.
“We’re eating Chick-fil-a today, and not a single person in here got the box, sat down and said, ‘Hmm, I wonder if this chicken is safe to eat.’ We don’t think about that in this country,” Hill said Thursday during a Marshall County Republican Women’s meeting.
“We have the safest food in the country… The Ag department regulates that, and we’re going to continue to work to make sure our food is safe to eat and you don’t have to think about food safety.”
Hill said he would revive the rural crime task force, which virtually disappeared when it was consolidated in the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
“There’s one guy with ALEA that works on rural crimes in the entire state. Back in its heyday, there were 10 guys, and many, many years, they recovered over $10 million worth of property. That stuff was stolen from me and you,” he said.
Hill is a native of Douglas, where he currently serves as mayor and operates a chicken and cattle farm and local grocery store.
“I think the federal government should send me a thank-you note about once a quarter, thanking me for paying taxes. But it seems like they’re always trying to trip you up,” he said. “… I’m an advocate for lower taxes, fewer regulations, and I work hard to make sure that our farmers and our industries can work hard to make a living, pay their bills, employ people without a bunch of crazy regulations.”
Hill said he may not always be “the smartest guy in the room,” but he makes up for it with a healthy dose of common sense.
“In most cases, I got as much common sense as anybody in the room, and you can solve a lot of problems with good, old-fashioned common sense,” he said.
Hill is running against State Sen. Jack Williams (R-Wilmer) and Christina Woerner McInnis to take over the position held by Rick Pate, who is term-limited.
Original article posted Ag commissioner candidate Corey Hill pushes for reviving rural crime task force, lower taxes, deregulation
Alabama Farmers Federation Endorses Corey Hill for Ag Commissioner
MONTGOMERY, Ala., Sept. 30 — The Alabama Farmers Federation announced political endorsements today following a packed Alabama FarmPAC agenda that saw more than two dozen candidates make their cases to Federation leaders from all 67 counties.
“Candidates often say the auditorium where we hold the FarmPAC meeting is the most intimidating venue in state politics. That’s because they understand the value of our grassroots endorsement,” said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “The real work, however, occurs long before we convene in Montgomery. For months, these candidates have been visiting with local Federation leaders and attending county meetings. The candidates we endorsed today know our people, and we know them. We’re ready to work hard in communities across the state to help them win election.”
The Federation previously announced statewide endorsements of Tommy Tuberville for governor and Young Boozer for state treasurer. Endorsements for the Alabama Legislature, Congress and State Board of Education are made by county Federations represented in each district and are being announced throughout the year.
Earning Alabama FarmPAC endorsements today were:
- Steve Marshall — U.S. Senate
- Wes Allen — Lieutenant Governor
- Katherine Robertson — Attorney General
- Corey Hill — Commissioner of Agriculture
- Caroleene Dobson — Secretary of State
- Derek Chen — State Auditor
- Brad Mendheim — Supreme Court, Place 7
- Greg Shaw — Supreme Court, Place 8
- Mary Windom — Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4
- Beth Kellum — Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5
- Ben Bowden — Court of Civil Appeals, Place 4
- Matt Fridy — Court of Civil Appeals, Place 5
- Matt Gentry — Public Service Commission, Place 1
- Chris Beeker — Public Service Commission, Place 2
“The 2026 election cycle will be a turning point for state government,” Parnell said. “With more than 160 races on the ballot and several key open seats, the decisions voters make in May and November will impact Alabama’s future for years to come. We’re thankful to support a strong slate of conservative leaders and look forward to working with them to move Alabama forward.”
Original Article Posted at https://alfafarmers.org/alabama-farmers-federation-endorses-candidates-for-2026-elections/
Alabama Grocers Association Endorses Corey Hill for Ag Commissioner
The Alabama Grocers Association (AGA) announced on Thursday its endorsement of Corey Hill for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries in the upcoming 2026 election.
Hill is a fourth-generation farmer, grocery store operator,and the current mayor of Douglas.
“Corey Hill understands the full spectrum of Alabama agriculture — from the farm to fork,” Ellie Taylor, AGA president, said. “As a grocer, Corey has firsthand knowledge of the challenges our independent retailers face, and as a farmer, he lives the realities of rural agriculture every day. We are confident he will be a powerful voice for our industry and for communities across the state.”
On his family-run farm, Hill raises cattle and poultry with a focus on sustainability and stewardship — principles he pledges to bring to Alabama Agriculture & Industries.
“I’m honored to have the support of the Alabama Grocers Association — an organization that has stood by our state’s independent retailers and rural communities. Together, we can build a future where Alabama agriculture thrives at every level,” Hill said.
Original article is published at https://1819news.com/news/item/alabama-grocers-association-endorses-douglas-mayor-corey-hill-for-ag-commissioner-in-2026
Get to Know Corey Hill
Corey Hill, a lifelong Republican, is a dedicated grocery store operator, cattle farmer, poultry farmer, and the proud mayor of Douglas in Marshall County. With deep roots in rural life, Corey balances the demands of agriculture and public service with a steady hand and a passion for community development. His grocery store not only serves as a vital hub for local families but also reflects his commitment to supporting local producers and ensuring food access for all.
On his 4th generation family-run farm, Corey raises both cattle and poultry, maintaining a strong connection to the land and the values of hard work and sustainability. His expertise in farming informs his understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities, particularly small-scale producers. By staying hands-on in his agricultural operations on an actual working farm, he brings firsthand knowledge to conversations about food security, land use, and economic development in the region.
As mayor, Corey is known for his approachable leadership style and practical problem-solving. He champions initiatives that strengthen local infrastructure, promote small businesses, and preserve the town’s rural character. Whether working with town council, checking on livestock, or helping customers in the grocery aisle, Corey Hill exemplifies a spirit of service and resilience.
Corey’s leadership style and extensive knowledge in the actual day to day operations of running a working farm and a small business will translate well to serving as Alabama’s next Commissioner of Agriculture.
