FLORENCE -Chris Lewis (R), a retired US Navy Commander and Florence, Alabama native, announced today his candidacy for Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District currently held by incumbent Republican Mo Brooks.
During his distinguished career, Lewis served as a Naval Flight Officer; a Strategic Analyst for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s Strategic Commands in Portugal; and has accrued nearly a decade of Defense Acquisition experience. In 2016, Lewis retired as a Commander from the United States Navy after 23 years of service.
Lewis recently returned to Florence with wife Keri and sons Alexander and Jacob, who was diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities. “It is nice to be home with family to ensure extra support for Jacob,” explained Lewis. After retirement, Lewis worked with the Department of Defense by providing program management support to Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tennessee, manages his small farm and owns a consulting firm.
Lewis devotes his time to the Shoals community as the Board President of the Children’s Museum of the Shoals, the Vice-Chairman of the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Board, and a member of the St. Florian Planning Commission. He is also a Third-Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and coaches basketball at St. Joseph Regional Catholic School.
As a third-generation veteran, Lewis is running on a guiding principle of “Service Before Self,” an endearing promise instilled in him from his youth and time served in the military. With this principle at the core of his campaign, Lewis plans to address issues such as establishing term limits across all forms of government, reducing the national debt, supporting the Second Amendment and defending the sanctity of life.
He also vows to offer more support for veterans. “As a retired Naval Officer, I believe it is our country’s duty to stand in support of our veterans,” said Lewis. “I personally understand the difficulties in navigating the Veteran’s Affairs bureaucracy and the challenge of re-entering society after military service. It is imperative we provide our men and women in uniform the caliber and level of commitment that they gave to protect our country and our rights.”
To learn more about Chris Lewis and how he will put his leadership experience, tenacity and moral center to work for a stronger, better Alabama and country, visit www.lewisforalabama.com.
Media Release/The Friends of Chris Lewis
