State Rep. Terri Collins endorses Patrick Johnson to succeed her in Alabama House District 8

Collins cites Johnson's business experience and conservative principles as key reasons for her endorsement.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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State Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur) has announced her endorsement of Patrick Johnson to succeed her in representing Alabama's House District 8. Collins, who is retiring after over a decade in the legislature, praised Johnson's business experience and conservative philosophy as the key factors behind her decision.

Why it matters

Collins' endorsement carries significant weight, as she has been a prominent conservative voice in the Alabama legislature, playing key roles in education reform, the pro-life movement, and school choice initiatives. Her support for Johnson signals that he is seen as the natural successor to continue her legacy in the district.

The details

Johnson, who has owned an insurance company in Decatur for over 17 years, has also served as chairman of the Decatur-Morgan Chamber of Commerce board of directors and president of the Decatur Kiwanis Club. Collins cited Johnson's 'deep Morgan County roots, the commonsense conservative philosophy, and the firsthand business experience' as the reasons she believes he is the 'right choice' to represent the district.

  • Rep. Terri Collins announced her retirement from the Alabama House of Representatives in 2025.
  • Collins endorsed Patrick Johnson as her successor on February 10, 2026.

The players

Terri Collins

A Republican state representative who has represented Alabama's House District 8 since 2010. She is the chair of the House Education Policy Committee and sponsored the Human Life Protection Act.

Patrick Johnson

A Decatur-based businessman who has owned an insurance company for over 17 years. He previously served as chairman of the Decatur-Morgan Chamber of Commerce board of directors and president of the Decatur Kiwanis Club.

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What they’re saying

“Patrick Johnson has the deep Morgan County roots, the commonsense conservative philosophy, and the firsthand business experience necessary to represent our fast-growing area in Montgomery.”

— Terri Collins, State Representative (yellowhammernews.com)

“Throughout her service in Montgomery, Terri Collins has made a lasting positive impact in the lives of every public school student, every Alabama family, and every resident of our state, and we are all better off thanks to the work she has done. I am proud and humbled that she trusts me to pick up her baton and continue the effort to bring meaningful conservative change to Alabama and make an already great state even better.”

— Patrick Johnson (yellowhammernews.com)

What’s next

Johnson will now focus on his campaign to win the Republican primary and general election to succeed Collins in the Alabama House of Representatives.

The takeaway

Collins' endorsement of Johnson highlights the importance of finding a suitable successor to continue the work of long-serving conservative legislators in Alabama. Johnson's business experience and alignment with Collins' values make him well-positioned to build on her legacy in the state legislature.