Alan Harper (61)

Samuel Alan Harper was a Republican former state representative who served District 61 in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2006 to 2018, covering parts of Tuscaloosa, Pickens, and Greene Counties. A Northport native, he was first elected as a Democrat before switching to the Republican Party in 2012 to better promote economic development in West Alabama. Harper, an economic developer with the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority, focused on bringing jobs and industries to the region, including the Mercedes-Benz plant, Aliceville Women's Prison, and support for projects in Greene, Hale, Pickens, and Jefferson Counties. He chaired the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee, advocated for preserving the historic Bryce Hospital campus , and served on the Tenn-Tom Waterway Development Council, DCH Regional Medical Center Institutional Review Commission, and Alabama Economic Development Association. Harper passed away on December 18, 2025, at age 68 after health issues.

Education and Political Experience

Limited public details are available on Harper's formal education. His political experience includes three terms in the Alabama House for District 61 as a Republican , chairing the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee, and sponsoring bills on local alcohol sales, statewide economic policy, and a proposed state lottery. Prior to and alongside his legislative role, he contributed to economic development via the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority.