Stutts’ leadership role in Senate grows as he announces bid for fourth term

As he enters the final year of his third term representing the people of Alabama’s State Senate District Six, somewhere along the way Sen. Larry Stutts realized he actually enjoys public office, so much so that  he announced last week plans to run for a fourth term.

First elected to the Alabama Senate in 2014, Stutts has survived some fierce campaign battles against two veteran elected officials, unseating incumbent Sen. Roger Bedford Jr., in 2014, and winning a razor-close result in 2018 over former Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow. 

With each victory, Stutts’ seniority in the Alabama Senate grew, as did his committee assignments giving Stutts leadership roles among his colleagues.

One big change since Stutts’ last election victory in 2022 was his retirement last year from practicing medicine. After 32 years as an OB/Gyn,he decided to sell his practice and retire last fall.

But don’t think Stutts suddenly has tons of free time on his hands. Since November 1, 2024, the day his retirement took effect, Stutts has significantly increased his visibility and presence among his constituents. When asked to appear at events around Senate District Six, he’s accepted most invitations, unlike when his medical practice required him to decline attending most events. 

And he’s enjoying that increased presence, seeing it as a blessing and not a burden.

“I have no regrets about my decision to retire. I’ll run into former patients and miss seeing them, but I still have people call asking medical questions and that’s okay,” Stutts said. “I really enjoy now having the time to talk with more people and meet new people across District Six.”

In a recent two-week period in November, Stutts attended 10 events, and said he’s averaging 3-4 appearances each week.

“Retirement has freed me to have a bigger presence in the community. I’m in a lot better position now to be more involved and more visible across District Six,” Stutts said.

Stutts’ legislative agenda has always included reshaping and strengthening health care in rural communities, and improving access to healthcare through broadband infrastructure growth, which also aids farmers and small businesses across District Six.

Stutts serves as Chairman of the Senate Children and Youth Health Committee, and he’s Vice-Chairman of the Senate Healthcare Committee, where he has sponsored and supported legislation aimed at improving medical care and services for Alabama families.

As Chairman, Stutts holds the ability to get his priority bills through committee or prevent one from going through, which makes Senate committee chairman assignments so important.

“Seniority plays a significant role in that—not just in regular committees but also some opportunities for other leadership positions,” Stutts said, perhaps hinting toward a leadership role for the entire Alabama Senate body in a fourth term.

Stutts is widely considered one of the most conservative members of the Alabama Senate, both on fiscal issues as well as moral issues.

“I will continue fighting for common-sense solutions that help our families, keep our communities safe, our taxes low and ensure our children have strong schools and better opportunities right here at home,” Stutts said of his plans if elected to a fourth term.

“Representing the people of Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence and Limestone Counties in Montgomery has been and remains one of the highest privileges of my life, but I’m running again because there is more to do—from improving access to healthcare and rural broadband to continuing to support our farmers and small businesses,” Stutts added.

You can learn more about Stutts’ biography and see which issues have shaped his representation in Montgomery by visiting www.larrystutts.com.