Alabama heads into runoff elections for party primaries on Tuesday, June 16. One of the local races is for District 95 in the House of Representatives. Narrowed from a field of three, the race is now between incumbent Rep. Frances Holk-Jones and Joe Freeman.

Gulf Coast Media sent both candidates the same set of questions. Here are their answers.

JOE FREEMAN

Why are you running for the House 95 seat?

I am running for House District 95 because Baldwin County needs a strong conservative voice who will stand up for our values, protect our way of life and fight for the people, not the special interests. As a former law enforcement officer and financial professional, I have spent my career helping people solve problems, protect what they've worked hard to build and plan for the future. I am running to bring accountability, transparency and common-sense leadership to Montgomery while defending private property rights, supporting our farmers and first responders, opposing gambling expansion and ensuring that growth in Baldwin County is managed responsibly. Our district deserves a representative who will put taxpayers, families and local communities first.

What is your political experience?

While I am not a career politician. I have spent years working with local businesses, community organizations and citizens to solve problems and advocate for common-sense solutions. My background is in leadership, business management and public service rather than politics. I believe Alabama needs more citizen legislators who understand the challenges families and small businesses face every day.

What city do you live in and how long have you lived in the district?

I live in Baldwin County and have been a resident of the district for many years. This community is my home, and I have built my business, raised my family and invested my time and resources here because I care deeply about its future.

Current job/profession:

I am a small business owner and entrepreneur. Over the years, I have built and managed businesses, created jobs and worked through the same challenges faced by many local business owners. I also previously served in law enforcement, which gave me valuable experience in public safety and community service.

What makes you qualified for the seat?

My qualifications come from real-life experience. I have worked in law enforcement, owned and operated businesses, managed budgets, created jobs and raised a family. I understand the challenges facing working families because I have lived them. Unlike many politicians, I have had to meet payroll, comply with regulations and navigate government bureaucracy. I will bring a practical, results-oriented approach to Montgomery and focus on solving problems rather than playing politics.

What challenges/concerns do you see in the district (up to 3), and how do you intend to improve them?

1. Managing rapid growth responsibly

Baldwin County continues to experience tremendous growth, but our roads, bridges and infrastructure must keep pace. Residents are increasingly concerned about traffic congestion, drainage issues and preserving the character of our communities. I will work to prioritize infrastructure improvements, support responsible development and ensure growth benefits current residents instead of overwhelming them.

2. Government accountability and transparency

Too many citizens feel disconnected from the government and uncertain about how decisions are made. I believe taxpayers deserve open, transparent government that is accountable to the people. I will fight for greater transparency in state government, responsible spending of taxpayer dollars and policies that ensure citizens know how decisions affecting their communities are being made.

3. Protecting conservative values and quality of life

Our district is built on strong families, faith, personal responsibility and safe communities. I am concerned about efforts to undermine those values through government overreach, gambling expansion and policies that weaken parental rights and local communities. I will stand firm in protecting conservative principles, supporting law enforcement and first responders, defending life and opposing gambling expansion that threatens families and communities.

What successes have you seen in the district that you want to build on?

House District 95 has experienced tremendous economic growth, job creation and population growth over the last several years. Baldwin County has become one of the most desirable places in Alabama to live and work because of its strong schools, safe communities, thriving small businesses and commitment to conservative values. I want to build on that success by ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with growth while protecting the character and quality of life that make our community special.

What specific policies or actions would you pursue to address growth and development in South Alabama/Baldwin County?

I would prioritize infrastructure investments in roads, bridges and public safety services to keep pace with population growth. I would also support efforts to streamline permitting and government processes while maintaining transparency and accountability. Additionally, I believe we must coordinate with local leaders to ensure that growth is managed responsibly and does not overwhelm existing communities, schools or infrastructure. My focus would be on balancing economic development with preserving the quality-of-life residents expect.

Do you think there should be more local government oversight in currently unzoned, unincorporated planning districts, and why?

I believe there must be a balance between protecting private property rights and ensuring that growth does not negatively impact neighboring property owners or community infrastructure. Local communities should have a voice in decisions that affect them, and any oversight should be transparent, limited and focused on addressing legitimate concerns related to public safety, infrastructure and compatibility of development. Government should not unnecessarily interfere with property owners, but it also has a responsibility to ensure growth is managed responsibly.

Are you actively involved in the community?

Yes. Community involvement has been a major part of my life. Through my business, public service and volunteer efforts, I have spent years working with local residents, business owners and community leaders. I believe effective representation starts with listening to the people you serve, and I have always been committed to being involved, accessible and engaged in the community. My goal is to continue serving Baldwin County and ensuring that local voices are heard in Montgomery.

FRANCES HOLK-JONES

Why are you running for the House 95 seat?

I am running because I care deeply about this community and want to continue the work we have started on behalf of the people of District 95. As a lifelong resident of Foley and someone whose family has served this community for generations, I understand both the opportunities and challenges we face as our area continues to grow. During my time in the Legislature, I have worked to protect taxpayers, improve healthcare access, support our schools and ensure local communities have a voice in decisions that affect them. I am seeking another term because there is still important work to be done, and I want to continue being a strong, effective advocate for the people of District 95.

What is your political experience?

I am currently the House representative for District 95. While this is the first public office I have held, it is not the first time I have been involved in public policy and advocacy on behalf of South Baldwin County.

Prior to serving in the Legislature, I held leadership positions and was actively involved with a number of civic, business and community organizations, including the Gulf United Metro Business Organization (GUMBO), the Baldwin County Republican Executive Committee, South Baldwin Republican Women, the Baldwin County REALTORS® Association and the Baldwin County Home Builders Association, among others. Through these roles, I worked closely with local, state and federal leaders to address issues affecting our communities and advocate for positive change throughout Baldwin County.

I am also a founding member of Foley Main Street and continue to serve on the board of directors of the preservation-based economic development organization. This experience has given me a firsthand understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our growing communities and the importance of preserving the character and quality of life that make South Baldwin County special. 

What city do you live in and how long have you lived in the district?

I currently reside in Orange Beach and have spent my entire life in District 95. As a Foley native with deep roots throughout South Baldwin County, I learned the importance of public service while watching both my grandfather and father serve as mayors of Foley. Their leadership instilled in me a passion for civic engagement and community service that continues to guide me today.

Current job/profession:

I am a State Farm agent serving South Baldwin County and the president of Frances Holk Insurance Inc. I am proud to be the nation's first fourth-generation State Farm agent. For many years, I have worked with individuals, families and business owners to help them prepare for the unexpected, recover from life's challenges and protect what matters most. Throughout my career, I have consistently ranked among the top 2-3% of State Farm agents nationwide out of more than 19,000 agents. 

What makes you qualified for the seat?

This is my home. This is my community. As a lifelong resident of District 95, I understand our history, our values and the challenges that matter most to the people who live here.

Representing a district requires more than simply casting votes. It requires understanding how government works, knowing how to navigate the process and being willing to stand up for your community when necessary. Throughout my career in business, community service and public office, I have built the experience needed to effectively advocate for the people of District 95.

Just as importantly, I have never been afraid to take a position based on what I believe is right for our community, even when it is not the popular position or the position favored by powerful interests. My responsibility is to the people of District 95, and that is who I will continue to fight for every day. 

What challenges/concerns do you see in the district (up to 3), and how do you intend to improve them?

Better health care for our growing community, which we have been working on, and I think we have made big leaps there. I expect to continue pushing for growth on emergency services and healthcare, including reductions and cuts in deductibles and expenses.

Lower taxes are a direct way that we can help families living on tight budgets. Inflation has gotten out of control and as the values go higher, the taxes owed also go higher. This is why I was proud to pass the 2024 bill limiting annual property tax increases, but that isn’t enough. I’d like to see a one or two-year freeze on property tax increases similar to what we recently saw in the freeze on utility increases from Alabama Power.

Education fairness. We are not seeing the returns on education that our community deserves. We collect a far greater percentage of education taxes in our district than in any other district across the state and yet districts like Orange Beach receive virtually no state tax money. They also get an unfair share of the county taxes. I’ve introduced legislation to fix this issue, and I expect to keep introducing and working on this until we get a fair resolution for the county and our local schools here in the district.

What successes have you seen in the district that you want to build on?

Despite the challenges that come with a rapidly growing area, District 95 has remained a strong and vibrant community. We have made important progress in expanding healthcare services, supporting local schools, improving infrastructure and protecting the quality of life that residents value.

I am especially proud of efforts to protect taxpayers, support local decision-making and address issues important to our residents, including healthcare access and responsible growth. Moving forward, I want to continue building on those successes while ensuring that South Baldwin County remains a place where families, businesses and future generations can thrive.

What specific policies or actions would you pursue to address growth and development in South Alabama/Baldwin County?

One of the most important actions I have taken was sponsoring and passing the Bon Secour Landmark District, which provides communities with an additional tool to help preserve their character and identity as our area continues to grow. I have encouraged other communities throughout District 95 to explore similar options where appropriate.

I believe growth decisions are best made at the local level by the people who live with the consequences of those decisions every day. Communities across Baldwin County are experiencing different levels and types of growth, which means a one-size-fits-all solution from Montgomery is rarely the right answer. My focus is on supporting local governments and residents as they make decisions about zoning, development, infrastructure and community planning.

As your representative, I will continue advocating for policies that protect property rights, preserve the unique character of our communities, improve infrastructure and ensure local residents have a voice in shaping the future of the places they call home.

Do you think there should be more local government oversight in currently unzoned, unincorporated planning districts and why?

Yes. The recent issues over solar fields are a great example of this. Local people absolutely need a voice in local matters, which is why I supported a moratorium on the solar projects and fought to create the Bon Secour Landmark District.

Are you actively involved in the community?

I am also involved with the American Heart Association of Baldwin County, the Coastal Art Center of Orange Beach Friends, the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce (past chairman) and the Coastal Alabama Chamber of Commerce.

I am passionate about youth mental health, an illness that affects every 1 in 5 young adults ages 13-18. In honor of my late daughter, Jennifer, I co-founded the Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support our young children who don't need to face life's challenges alone. Since its inception, the organization has brought the concept of the Peer Helper Program to over 48 schools throughout Baldwin County. This comprehensive peer-to-peer prevention and support program is now a model used in schools throughout the country.