MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Business Council of Alabama’s (BCA) political arm, ProgressPAC, is proud to announce its endorsement of three first-time legislative candidates for the 2026 legislative cycle: Alicia Escott Lumpkin for House District 60, Jessica Massey Ross for House District 65, and Doug Harwell for Senate District 34.
Each of these candidates has demonstrated a commitment to the pro-growth, pro-jobs values that BCA and ProgressPAC stand for and will bring a new voice and fresh perspective to the legislature.
“We believe Alabama’s economic future depends on bold, purpose-driven leaders who will be effective partners for our business community,” said Helena Duncan, BCA President & CEO. “While our first slate of endorsements recognized proven business leaders already serving in the Legislature, this new slate of candidates embodies that same spirit of partnership for economic growth. We see in Alicia, Jessica, and Doug the kind of entrepreneurial mindset, collaborative attitude, and business-friendly vision that will serve their respective districts well.”
“Electing pro-business champions is about identifying and backing talent that will grow with the Legislature,” said Gary Smith, Chairman of ProgressPAC. “These three candidates bring a new energy, fresh ideas, and a commitment to making Alabama a more competitive, opportunity-rich state. ProgressPAC is proud to support them and to invest early in what we believe will be high-impact campaigns.”
A native of Birmingham and long-time community advocate, Lumpkin is committed to expanding economic opportunity in her district. She earned her JD from the Birmingham School of Law and has worked for the City of Birmingham for the past 17 years, dedicating herself to improving efficiencies and strengthening community development. She has a track record of engaging with local employers, understanding workforce needs, and proposing solutions that balance economic growth with quality of life. Lumpkin will be a strong advocate for driving job creation and advancing pro-business policy for House District 60.
Ross brings over 20 years of experience as a non-profit business leader, with roots in education, workforce training, and community engagement. Throughout her career and service to her community, she has consistently proven herself as a steadfast partner for civic engagement, career readiness, and regional development. She earned a PhD from the University of Alabama, where she also serves as an adjunct instructor, focusing her research on rural infrastructure and sustainable community development. Dedicated to creating quality job opportunities in her district, Ross is prepared to champion pro-growth policies in the legislature.
Harwell, an experienced business owner and former Mobile County School Board member, brings a deep understanding of workforce and growth challenges facing South Alabama. His practical, forward-thinking approach to regional competitiveness and commitment to advancing pro-jobs policies make him a strong ally for Alabama’s business community.
ProgressPAC’s endorsement is a signal of confidence in each of the candidates’ capacity to serve effectively and deliver for the business community in Montgomery and beyond.
The Business Council of Alabama is the premier voice for Alabama business. BCA is a non-partisan, statewide business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians through its member companies and its partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. BCA is Alabama’s exclusive affiliate to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.
ProgressPAC is the political affiliate of the Business Council of Alabama. ProgressPAC remains committed to fighting for Alabama’s future by endorsing pro-jobs candidates who will help lead Alabama in the right direction.