State Senator "Walking" Wendell Mitchell (D-Luverne) today announced his candidacy for re-election to the State Senate. He is seeking his sixth term, which places him among the most experienced and long-serving members of the Alabama Legislature.

Mitchell said, "My many years of experience and service have enabled me to effectively represent you and obtain more than our fair share of resources and funds from state government for our Senate District.

I will continue to use this seniority and knowledge to make your voices and interests heard."

Mitchell was cited by the Montgomery Advertiser during this quadrennium as one of "the most effective senators."

He also has been recognized for his legislative ability and success by many state and national groups and organizations.

The senator was named "Person of the Year" by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Alabama, National Legislator of the Year by Easter Seals of America,

Senator of the Year by the Alabama State Chiropractic Association and the Alabama State Employees Association, recipient of the Distinguished Legislative Service Award by the Alabama Counseling Association, Legislator of the Year by Association of County Commissions, Outstanding Senator by People Against a Littered State, recipient of Legislative Achievement Award by Christian Coalition of Alabama and numerous other awards.

Mitchell also has gained a national reputation for his advocacy of people with disabilities.

He was given the first ever Judge Frank M. Johnson award which recognizes the individual who has done the most for people with disabilities in the state of Alabama.

The senator chairs the Senate Committee on Business and Labor, is the former majority leader of the Senate, and he also serves as deputy chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.

In addition, he is chairman of the National Energy Council and Alabama's delegate to the Southern Legislative Conference and the National Conference of State Legislatures.

"It is a high personal privilege to represent the people of our District and I will continue to work hard to justify the confidence you have always expressed in me", Mitchell said.

"I earnestly solicit your vote and support in the forthcoming election".

Mitchell presently represents Senate District 30 which includes all of Autauga. Butler, Crenshaw and Pike counties, and parts of Dale, Elmore and Lowndes counties.

In the recently approved legislative redistricting plan, Mitchell no longer will have Dale County but will have additional parts of Lowndes and Elmore counties.

Known as "Walking Wendell" for his many miles of walking during previous campaigns, Mitchell said that he intends "to continue walking for his constituents and the people of Alabama."

He is married to the former Rosalind McBride of Greenville.

They have three adult children and three grandchildren.

He is a member of the Church of Christ, the Luverne Rotary Club and serves as Dean of Jones School of Law at Faulkner University.