21 Facts About Ann Bedsole

Ann Bedsole was the first Republican woman to serve in the Alabama House of Representatives and the first woman to serve in the Alabama Senate.

Ann Bedsole graduated from Waynesboro High School in Waynesboro, Virginia, and later attended the University of Alabama and the University of Denver.

Ann Bedsole served on the Alabama Republican State Executive Committee in 1966.

Ann Bedsole received the Republican nomination and defeated Democratic nominee Jim Johnston in the general election, becoming the first female Republican member of the Alabama House of Representatives.

Ann Bedsole ran with the Republican nomination for his seat and defeated Democratic nominee John Saad in the general election, becoming the first woman to serve in the Alabama Senate.

Ann Bedsole was re-elected to the Alabama Senate three times and served until 1995.

Ann Bedsole was appointed to serve on the Education Committee in the Alabama Senate in 1983.

Ann Bedsole was appointed to serve on the Judiciary, Education, and Health committees and as chair of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry committee in 1987.

On November 1,1993, Bedsole announced that she would seek the Republican nomination for Governor of Alabama in 1994.

Ann Bedsole selected Rex Elsasse, the former executive director of the Ohio Republican Party, to serve as her campaign manager.

Ann Bedsole placed second in the Republican primary, but was defeated in the primary runoff by Fob James.

Ann Bedsole has been involved in numerous educational and philanthropic initiatives.

Ann Bedsole served on the board of directors of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science as president and vice president.

Ann Bedsole was a trustee for Spring Hill College and Huntingdon College.

Ann Bedsole is dedicated to promoting local history, preservation, and conservation.

Ann Bedsole established Mobile Historic Home Tours and served as a member of the Alabama Historical Commission, the Mobile Historic Development Commission, and the Mobile Bay Lighthouse Committee.

Ann Bedsole was recognized for her business and philanthropic activity by being named First Lady of Mobile in 1972, Mobilian of the Year in 1993, and Philanthropist of the Year in 1998.

Ann Bedsole received a Meritorious Public Service Award from the Montgomery Advertiser and the Alabama Journal.

Ann Bedsole is the recipient of honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Spring Hill College and Huntingdon College.

Ann Bedsole is a Methodist and a member of the Junior League.

Ann Bedsole was feted with a 90th birthday party by students at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science in January 2020.