Bradley Byrne Sworn-in as South Alabama’s Next Congressman

Bradley Byrne Sworn-in as South Alabama’s Next Congressman

Washington, DC – January 8, 2014 – Today, Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) was sworn-in as the next Representative for Alabama’s First Congressional District. The seat had been vacated by former Representative Jo Bonner (R-Mobile) on August 2, 2013, following his resignation to become Vice Chancellor for Government Affairs and Economic Development for the University of Alabama. In the special election on December 17, 2013, Byrne was elected with 71% of the vote.

In a speech before the full U.S. House of Representatives, Byrne said: “To the people of the First District of Alabama, I promise that I will work hard every day to serve you and build upon the trust you have placed in me to represent you in our nation’s capital.

“To the Members of this House - I am ready to roll up my shirt sleeves and work with you, as a problem solver, not a problem maker; as a work horse, not a show horse. This is a great country, Mr. Speaker. But over the past several years, we have failed to live up to that greatness.  I come to this House ready to work together with each of you to find solutions that will make this country truly great again.

Speaker of the House John Boehner congratulated Congressman Byrne, saying: “Today, we are pleased to welcome Bradley Byrne as the newest Member of the United States House of Representatives. As the House looks forward to a year addressing important issues like reducing the deficit and debt, protecting the American people from the effects of the President’s health care law, and helping create more private sector jobs, I look forward to Congressman Byrne adding his expertise in business and public service to our discussion. Welcome to the people’s House, Congressman.”

The Alabama delegation responded to Congressman Byrne’s swearing-in, saying:

Senator Richard Shelby: “I congratulate Congressman Byrne on his election to the United States House of Representatives and welcome him as the newest member of Alabama’s congressional delegation. I am confident that he will serve Alabama’s First Congressional District very well, and I look forward to working with him to address the many challenges facing our nation.”

Senator Jeff Sessions: “I would like to welcome my good friend, Bradley Byrne, to the House of Representatives. He is smart, positive, and hard-working.  Bradley has shown principled leadership throughout his career as an attorney, state legislator, and chancellor of Alabama’s two-year college system.  He will be an excellent representative for Alabama’s First District and I look forward to his leadership on crucial issues.”

Representative Martha Roby (AL-2): “I am pleased to welcome Bradley to the Alabama congressional delegation. As a delegation, we pride ourselves on working together to find solutions that benefit the people of our great state, and I look forward to having Bradley on the team.”

Representative Mike Rogers (AL-3): “I am happy to welcome Bradley to the Alabama delegation and look forward to working with him.  I know he will do a great job for the First District.”

Representative Robert Aderholt (AL-4): “Bradley Byrne follows a host of well-respected members of the Alabama First District. Based on Bradley's experience and knowledge, I have no doubt that he will hit the ground running and will represent the state very well."

Representative Mo Brooks (AL-5): "I'm pleased to welcome Congressman Byrne to the Alabama delegation. I look forward to working with him as we navigate these very challenging economic and debt-ridden times."

Representative Spencer Bachus (AL-6): “Bradley Byrne will be a strong addition to our Alabama congressional delegation.  He brings valuable experience and a desire to provide the people of his district with the highest level of representation.  Our delegation has a reputation for working together for the good of the State of Alabama and, as our newest member, Bradley Byrne will have our support as he works to promote economic growth and expand opportunity for his constituents in the First District.”

Representative Terri Sewell (AL-7): “I want to welcome Bradley Byrne to the Alabama congressional delegation. Both our state and the First Congressional District will be well-served under his leadership. I look forward to working with Bradley on pressing national issues, especially those most important to the constituents we share in Clarke County. I am confident that Bradley’s strong work ethic and a willingness to work across the aisle will serve him and his constituents well.”  

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The full text of the speech given by Congressman Byrne before the full House of Representatives is attached.

Bradley Byrne, 58, was born and raised in Mobile, just a few miles from the site where his great-great-great grandfather, Gerald Byrne, settled in the 1780’s.

After completing his undergraduate studies at Duke University, Byrne received his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. He has practiced law in Mobile for more than 30 years, always active in the local community in various service organizations.

Byrne served as a member of the Alabama State Board of Education and as a member of the Alabama Senate representing District 32. In 2007, Byrne was appointed by the Alabama State Board of Education as Chancellor of the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education to serve as the chief executive officer of Alabama’s two-year college system.

Byrne has been married to the former Rebecca Dukes of Montgomery for 32 years. Rebecca is the Executive Director of United Way of Baldwin County, and they are the parents of four children: Patrick, Kathleen, Laura, and Colin. Bradley lives in Fairhope where he and his family are members of St. James Episcopal Church.