ProgressPAC, the political action committee of the Business Council of Alabama, announced it has endorsed Prince Chestnut for state representative of District 67, which covers Dallas County and a portion of Perry County.

Chestnut, the incumbent, is running for reelection after having won a special election last year to fill the House 67 seat, which had been vacated by Darrio Melton after he was elected mayor of Selma.

His opponent in the June 5 Democratic primary is Jelani “Shaun” Coleman of Dallas County.

“It is an honor to have the endorsement of Business Council of Alabama,” Chestnut said. “The BCA represents over one million jobs through its member companies, and job creation is a major component of our campaign.”

The Business Council of Alabama was founded in 1985 after the consolidation of the Alabama Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Alabama and, according to their website, advocates for business interests to the Alabama Legislature and the U.S. Congress.

“The board of directors of ProgressPAC has endorsed Selma legislator and attorney Prince Chestnut in the June 5 Democratic primary for House District 67,” said Denson Henry of Henry Brick, who also serves as vice chair of ProgressPAC and second vice-chair of the Business Council of Alabama.

“Rep. Chestnut’s short tenure in the House has already proven to show his ability to work with both sides of the political aisle on important business issues. His balanced and solution minded approach gives him solid credentials to serve constituents in House District 67. Prince Chestnut is committed to recruiting new industry and growing Alabama jobs.”

Chestnut, an attorney from Selma, said his pro-business agenda would help him further his mission to bring jobs to his district.

“Employment numbers are improving. I have listened to our local economic development office and supported legislation to place our district and state in the best position for job creation,” Chestnut said. “When we work together, we are able to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

The Democrat and Republican primaries are scheduled for Tuesday, June 5.