Meet Your Senator

It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve District 4 in the Alabama Senate. The road that brought me here has been full of twists and turns, but every step has been worth the journey.

As a native of Alabama, I grew up attending Cullman City Schools. Like many young people, I dreamed of leaving my small town to forge my own path. With a passion for historic preservation and construction, I pursued a degree in Building Science with a minor in Business at Auburn University.

While finishing my studies at Auburn, my father visited me to share the news of his failing health. He asked that I consider taking over the family business. For me, it was an easy decision.

When family needs you, you go.

Returning to Cullman turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me the chance to grow and mature in a secure environment while still traveling across the country to pursue my professional goals. That balance shaped me into the man I am today. Looking back, I know God’s hand was guiding me every step of the way.

In my hometown, I fell in love with my family’s business, my community, and my wife, Heather. Just when I thought my heart was full, God blessed us with our sons, Tripp and Pierce, who have given me a love deeper than I ever imagined.

Over the years, Cullman gave me opportunities to refine my passion for restoration and preservation, not just of buildings, but of community spirit.

In 2003, I faced a crossroads: move my growing business to a metropolitan city or keep it here in Cullman. Choosing family over ambition, I stayed. That decision showed me that if I wanted my boys to someday choose Cullman too, our community would need to keep growing and thriving.

That realization sparked a fire in me.

I saw Cullman’s potential—like a beautiful antique, unique and full of stories, waiting for someone to bring out its shine.

Heather finally told me one night, “If you aren’t going to do anything about it, then stop complaining.”

That challenge led me to run for office.

I was elected to the City Council in 2004. In 2008, I was elected President of the City Council. No longer was it ‘What can I do to make Cullman better?' instead it became 'What can WE do to make Cullman better?”

Our primary objective was to build up the city to make it the best place for its citizens to live, work, play, and worship. We’ve seen unprecedented economic growth from 2004-2018, surviving the recession of 2008 and rebuilding after the 2011 tornadoes. We invested back into our community continuously, improving the quality of life, and empowering all citizens to care a little more, work together a little more, and to believe a little more until our aspirations started to meet our achievements!

In 2018, I carried that same commitment with me to Montgomery, where I have served District 4 in the Alabama Senate. And in 2025, I was humbled to be elected by my colleagues as Senate Pro Tempore. This position is not just a title—it’s a responsibility to serve not only my district, but the entire state, with integrity, vision, and perseverance.

My role today is no different than my journey has always been: it takes hard work, determination, faith, and open conversations. But I believe that together, we can continue to make District 4 a powerhouse for Alabama. And when we do, I know communities across the state will be able to look to us as a blueprint for success.

--Garlan Gudger Jr.