Pike County Probate Judge, Wes Allen, announced Tuesday that he will seek the Republican nomination for the District 89 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives, covering Pike County and part of Dale County.

Allen, who has served as Pike County’s Probate Judge for nearly a decade, recounted his team’s accomplishments and spoke of the respect and admiration he has for the people he serves.

“For eight years, I have had a front row seat to witness the hardworking people of Pike County,” Allen told a crowd of supporters. “The people work hard. They get up everyday to make our communities better and we have never lost sight that these are the same hardworking people who fund our government. We never lost sight of the fact that we work for the people. Not the other way around.”

Allen, who is viewed as one of the most conservative Probate Judges in the state explained his goals as a member of the Alabama House of Representatives would be similar to those he held as Probate Judge. He promised to keep true to his conservative principles, to promote accountability within government and to remain accessible to the voters of Dale and Pike Counties.

“My philosophy is that government should create an environment in which businesses and entrepreneurs can be successful – an environment where hard work is rewarded and where the American Dream can flourish without undue and unnecessary burdens being imposed by any government agency.” Allen said. “Elected officials should be working diligently to find innovative solutions that foster and promote private sector job growth. That is the philosophy we have lived by here in the courthouse.”

Under his leadership, the Pike County Probate Judge’s office has become a model for modernization, accessibility and fiscal responsibility. Allen has returned budget surpluses from his operations back to the Pike County Commission and has been able to decrease costs to taxpayers by eliminating debit and credit card processing fees.

Allen also implemented programs that made services provided by the Office of the Probate Judge more accessible to rural residents of the County. A satellite office was opened in Brundidge and online services were launched and expanded during his tenure.

Allen received national attention and overwhelming support from conservatives in Pike County, throughout Alabama and across the country for his stand and defense of traditional marriage. He says that he wants the people of Pike County to view his time as a Probate Judge as one of “transparency, accountability and fairness” and “as someone who never backed down, even in the face of tough opposition.”

Judge Allen and his wife, Cae, have two children, Davis and DeeAna. They attend the First Baptist Church of Troy, where he currently serves as Deacon Chairman.

Representative Alan Boothe (R-Troy) currently holds that position and has announced that he will not seek reelection. The Republican primary election will be held on June 5, 2018.

Full video of the announcement press conference can be viewed at facebook.com/electwesallen