Senator Jabo Waggoner

James Thomas "Jabo" Waggoner is a Republican state senator representing District 16 in Alabama, which includes Jefferson and Shelby counties. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 8, 1937, Waggoner holds the distinction of having the longest record of service of any legislator in Alabama history.

Waggoner is married to Marilyn and has four children and seven grandchildren, plus one great-grandchild. He is a member of the Homewood Church of Christ and maintains active involvement in numerous civic organizations, including the Civitan International , Masons, and Shriners organizations.

Education

Waggoner earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Birmingham Southern College and his Juris Doctor degree from Birmingham School of Law. He was inducted into the Birmingham Southern College Sports Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the same institution in 2013.

Political Experience

Waggoner's legislative career spans over five decades. He served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1966 to 1983 before transitioning to the State Senate, where he is currently serving his eighth term.

His leadership roles include:
- Senate Minority Leader
- Senate Majority Leader
- Chairman of the Rules Committee
- Vice Chairman of the Confirmations Committee
- Chairman of the Jefferson County Legislation Committee

His most prominent legislative achievement was the acquisition of 40 blocks for the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1975. More recently, he has focused on workforce development, distracted driving legislation, and preserving Birmingham-Southern College's institutional legacy.

Waggoner has received numerous honors, including the Ronald Reagan Lifetime Achievement Award , the Alabama State Council of the Arts Legacy Award , and the UAB President's Medal .