Sparks seeks – Former Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Ron Sparks is betting on direct voter contact and a policy-first message as he seeks a return to the statewide post, arguing farmers are being squeezed by higher costs and weakened enforcement at the Agricultur
When Ron Sparks talks about his campaign, he does it the way he says he’s campaigning: on the roads and in conversation. “I’m burning these roads up,” he said. “We’re out there. We’re talking to people.”
As Alabama’s primary approaches. Sparks is making a bid to return to the statewide office he previously held for two terms. pointing to a landscape he says has changed since his last run—faster-moving social media. tougher fundraising demands. and opponents buoyed by substantial financial backing. including candidates willing to invest large amounts of their own money.
“It’s harder now than it was,” Sparks said. “But if you’re not willing to raise money, you’re not going to get your message out.”
Sparks estimated his campaign has raised between $85. 000 and $95. 000 since fundraising began in mid-January. largely from individual contributors rather than lobbyists or major industry groups.. While other statewide candidates are “flooding the airwaves” with ads. he said he’s leaning toward direct voter contact and policy discussions as he works to separate himself from a crowded pitch.
His central message is about protecting both producers and consumers, with Sparks arguing that rising input costs—diesel fuel, fertilizer and replacement parts—are squeezing farmers across Alabama. He said some farmers have told him they aren’t sure they can afford to plant again next year.
“Everything they touch is going up. I’ve had farmers tell me they can’t get a pencil to work out on it,” Sparks said.
At the center of his proposal is eliminating the state’s 1.5 percent sales tax on farm equipment. which Sparks says could return tens of millions of dollars annually to farmers.. He pointed to Tennessee, where a similar exemption took effect at the beginning of 2023.. He said Mississippi considered the idea during its 2026 legislative session, but it died after passing the Senate.
Sparks also criticized what he described as weakening enforcement at the Agriculture Department in recent years. including the removal of its law enforcement division.. In his account of how the department operated during his tenure. Sparks said officials pursued stolen livestock cases. investigated dogfighting and puppy mills. monitored fuel pump accuracy and took an aggressive approach to food safety.
For Sparks, the argument is not just about what the office should do. It’s also about who should do it. He said experience should matter to voters in the way it matters when picking a surgeon.
“I’ve been there,” Sparks said. “They can’t find one thing that we did wrong.”
He said agricultural organizations recognized his work during his time in the role and highlighted his working relationship with former Gov.. Bob Riley, a Republican.. Sparks said he regularly briefed Riley on agricultural issues during periods of crisis and argued the office should not be driven by party affiliation.
“I never made a decision in that office based on my party. Anybody that does, doesn’t need to be there,” Sparks said.
As he campaigns, Sparks said he’s frustrated with the tone he says dominates modern political advertising. He said he has been labeled “radical” and “woke” in ads, but believes voters are more interested in practical solutions than partisan attacks.
“I haven’t heard a word about what they’re going to do for the people of Alabama,” Sparks said. “What are we going to do to help farmers? What are we going to do to make healthcare better?”
He said many voters are focused on everyday burdens—rising grocery bills, mortgage payments and access to local hospitals—rather than what he called political rhetoric.
“Most people are trying to feed their family and put fuel in their car,” Sparks said. “They don’t live in this political bubble.”
Sparks said he’s addressed Democratic, Republican and independent audiences across Alabama and attends forums where candidates from both parties appear together. With a large share of voters still undecided, he said his name recognition and grassroots campaign could prove decisive.
“I’m going back for a reason,” Sparks said. “That’s to help my farmers and to help the consumers of Alabama.”
Ron Sparks Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries farm equipment sales tax 1.5 percent sales tax agriculture department enforcement stolen livestock dogfighting puppy mills fuel pump accuracy food safety primary election Bob Riley