Bedford hits milestone in Senate

By Staff
Rebecca James, Franklin County Times
State Senator Roger Bedford, Jr. recently passed a milestone in his career by being in office for the past 25 years.
Bedford represents the sixth district, a position he has occupied since his election in 1982. He is currently serving his seventh term as a state senator.
"I was and still am the youngest senator elected in Alabama," Bedford said. "I was always raised to believe that you should give something back to your community and state, and public service is a good way to do that."
Sen. Bedford is not the first in his family with political aspirations. His father Roger Bedford, Sr. opened his law firm in 1963, and was elected district judge.
"I helped my dad during his campaign for a judge's position, and eventually I became involved in Young Democrats," Bedford recalled. "I was elected president of Young Democrats in Alabama and I was named nationwide treasurer in 1982."
Bedford decided to run for the sixth district senate seat left vacant by the departure of Charlie Britnell.
"I was one of four candidates that ran for the office. I was only 24 at the time that I ran for office, and by the time I was sworn into office, I was 25," Bedford said.
"Luckily my 25th birthday was in July, because in Alabama you have to be 25 before you can be sworn into office."
Bedford really has enjoyed serving the people of Franklin County, where he has lived his whole life.
"My family's roots run deep in Franklin County and in northwest Alabama," Bedford said.
"The people of Franklin County have given me a home and allowed me to raise my family here and I am grateful that I have a chance to give back to them."
Remembering just who his bosses are has helped keep Sen. Bedford humble.
"I've never forgotten that the voters are my boss, they can hire you at elections or they can fire you," Bedford said. "We've got such a great area up here. I love northwest Alabama, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else."