Garlan Gudger

Senate President Pro Tempore

Contact Information

Counties

Cullman, Marion, Winston

Committees

Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry; County and Municipal Government; Education Policy; Finance and Taxation Education; Finance and Taxation General Fund; Healthcare; Judiciary; Local Legislation; Permanent Joint Legislative Advisory Committee on; Economic Incentives; Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Finances and Budget; Rules; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety

Bio

Garlan Gudger, Jr. proudly represents District 4 in the Alabama State Senate, which includes Cullman, Marion, and Winston counties. A successful small businessman from Cullman, Senator Gudger was overwhelmingly elected to the Alabama State Senate in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

Senator Gudger was unanimously elected in 2025 by his colleagues to serve as the Senate President Pro Tempore. Senator Gudger has been the recipient of numerous awards including:

Alabama Republican Party Defender of Freedom Award (2025)
Youth Leadership Development Program Great American Hero Award (2025)
Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association Ironman Award (2025)
Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association Legislator of the Year (2024)
AL Association RC&D Councils State Senate Leadership Award (2023)
Alabama Tourism Advocate Government Award (2023)
Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) Legislator of the Year (2023)
Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) (2022)
The American Conservative Union Foundation Conservative Achievement Award (2021)
ALGOP Chairman’s Commendation award (2021)
National Alliance on Mental Health Legislator of the Year (2019)
“Hometown Hero Award” from the Alabama League of Municipalities (2019)
Dr. Gary W. Porier Leadership Award (2018)
Top 50 “Up and Coming” Political Figures to Watch by Yellowhammer News (2018)
Top 40 over 40 by Alabama magazine (2018)
Honored as City Council Member for The Link of Cullman County Dream Big Award (2017)
Small Business of the Year Silver Award from the Alabama Retail Association (2016)
“Hero of the South” Award from Southern Living magazine (2012)
Leadership Alabama Graduate (2011)
Small Business of the Year Bronze award from the Alabama Retail Association (2002)

Senator Gudger was born and raised in Cullman, Alabama. After high school, he received a football scholarship to attend Samford University. He later transferred to Auburn University where he graduated with a BS in building science and a minor in business. In 2004, Gudger became the youngest member in the history of the City of Cullman to be elected to the Cullman City Council. He served on the council for 14 years and was elected to serve as its president for the last ten years.

Senator Gudger is married to Heather Pierce Gudger of Huntsville. They have two sons: Tripp, a student at Samford University and Pierce, a student at The University of Alabama. He is a member of Daystar Church and has participated in numerous mission trips throughout the world.

RELATED UPDATES

Senate Passes Bill to Require Health Care Facilities to Allow a Caregiver or Visitor to Patients, Residentsalgop2021-10-18T17:04:58+00:00

Garlan Gudger

Senate President Pro Tempore

Contact Information

Counties

Committees

Bio

RELATED UPDATES

Senate Passes Bill to Require Health Care Facilities to Allow a Caregiver or Visitor to Patients, Residents

Senator Gudger: Bill to Keep Businesses, Churches Open During Future Pandemics

Senator Garlan Gudger Appointed to the Alabama Small Business Commission

Stay Up-to-Date