Tony Holmes has announced he is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Covington County Commission, District 3.

Holmes is a 1973 graduate of Florala High School. Shortly after high school, Holmes joined his parents, the late James and Lois Holmes, in the family’s pecan business. For 42 years, he has operated a small business in both Andalusia and Fairhope. Because the pecan business is seasonal, Holmes also owned a construction business in Covington County until selling to take over the pecan company when his father retired in the mid-1990s. He also operates a cattle farm at his home in the Stanley Community. Additionally, Holmes served as a Covington County deputy sheriff in the administrations of Wilbur Mitchell and Anthony Clark. He remains a member of the Covington County Sheriff’s Posse.

He and his wife, Lynne (Warren), formerly of Andalusia, have four children, Brett (Lori Mitchell) Holmes, Brandy (Paul) Hudson, Amanda (Chris) Inabinett, and Ashley (Justin) Morgan.

Holmes said his more than 40 years of operating a small business comes with the knowledge of what it takes to recruit more businesses and jobs to Covington County, and the management skills to ensure the taxpayers’ money is being spent properly.

“I was born and raised in Covington County and it is my home. With that said, we are in a financial crisis everywhere – on the national level, state level and right here at home.

“Since I was a young man, I have tried to invest in Covington County,” he said. “Before, I never felt called to serve the public in this way. However, I have received countless phone calls and visits from friends and family encouraging me to seek this office. After much prayer and discussion with my family, I decided to run.”

Holmes said if elected, his goal as District 3 Commissioner would be to look after the good people of District 3, work with the other commissioners and the chairman to stabilize this county financially by recruiting new business, and to give the residents of Covington County a voice again.

Primary elections are set for Tues., March 1, 2016.