After weeks of campaigning, Rep. Mike Hubbard overcame the Republican primary after defeating opponent Sandy Toomer more than 60 percent to 40 percent the popular vote in Lee County Tuesday, June 3.
University of Georgia alumnus, Hubbard arrived in Auburn two weeks after graduation in 1983 where he worked for six years in the Auburn Athletic Department as Associate Sports Information Director. In 1990, he left Auburn University to begin Auburn's radio and television sports network and began his career in politics.
"I met Bob Riley who was running for Congress at the time, went to lunch at Price's Barbecue House, and just liked him," Hubbard said. "I got involved in his campaign with the radio, and he inspired me to get involved in politics. I had never been political before, but he was and still is my political mentor."
Hubbard was first elected office in 1998 to a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives. He was also re-elected in 2002, 2006 and 2010.
"I was always praying that the people of the district could see through all of the attacks," Hubbard said. "They know me, they know my family, and they know what I've done in representing this area. I knew the attacks were coming out of Montgomery from the Alabama Education Association. The voters sent a pretty clear message that they weren't going to be deceived."
Hubbard's primary goal is to continue efficiency in state government. Public safety, information technology and education efficiency combined have saved $100 million per year. Alabama's graduation percentage has increased and the high school dropout rate is falling.
"There's no reason we can't be top ten in education in the country, but we're not going to do it by continuing to do the same things they have been doing for fifty years," Hubbard said.
After his primary election success, Hubbard will continue to campaign to represent House District 79 in the general election in November against Democratic nominee Shirley Scott-Harris.
"Auburn University is really my number one priority," Hubbard said. "It always has been and always will be. It's what drives District 79. President Jay Gogue said that I have earned a reputation as Auburn's greatest champion in the legislature. I'm proud of what we have been able to accomplish and look forward to doing even more."
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