Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle announced his endorsement of State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville) in the House District 20 Republican primary, crediting the House Majority Whip with delivering results for Alabama’s fastest-growing city.

Battle said Lomax has been a go-to ally on Huntsville’s biggest priorities, from landing Space Command to pushing through legislation supporting industrial growth.

“When Space Command announced and we were looking for resources, James Lomax was one of our first calls,” Battle said. “When the City of Huntsville needed legislation to help with industrial growth we went to James Lomax.”

Lomax faces former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks in the May 19 Republican primary. Brooks qualified at the last minute to challenge Lomax, drawing criticism from House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville).

Battle framed the endorsement around Lomax’s relationships in Montgomery and the influence they carry for Huntsville. “Leadership is something we have to work on day by day. It’s about relationships,” Battle said. “He has established relationships that have put him in leadership roles in the state house. Something not done overnight but done through work day after day.”

The mayor added that Lomax has become the city’s connection point with state government. “Today, when we need collaboration, whether on roads, industrial development or infrastructure, we turn to James Lomax.”

Lomax said he is grateful for Battle’s support, adding that Huntsville’s success “has always come from people working together to get things done.”

Speaker Ledbetter appointed Lomax as House Majority Whip earlier this year. He serves on the House Rules, Economic Development and Tourism, Ethics and Campaign Finance, Financial Services, Ports Waterways and Intermodal Transit, and Madison County Legislation committees. He was first elected to the seat in 2022.

Sawyer Knowles is a capitol reporter for Yellowhammer News and 256 Today