“It's my dream job,” Heath said. “I have a farm background and have been in agriculture all my life. I feel like I have the credentials to represent agriculture across the state.”
Heath, a republican, has served the second district since 2013. He was reelected to a second term in November of last year. Heath is the owner of Heath Building Material in Graves County.
“When it became apparent that state Sen. Paul Hornback, chairman of Senate Ag Committee, was not seeking the office, I jumped at the chance,” Heath said.
Heath said he spoke with current Commissioner of Agriculture James Comer before making his decision.
"Commisioner Comer has cleaned up the Department of Agriculture in three years and I look forward to building on the foundation he has laid for the next Agriculture Commissioner," Heath said. "Commissioner Comer has been an encouragement to me as a public servant and an example of how government can work for the taxpayers."
Comer is a candidate for governor.
Heath is the second Republican in the race for Ag Commissioner. State Rep. Ryan Quarles of Georgetown has filed to run. Democrat Jean-Marie Lawson Spann from Barren County has also filed to run.
If Heath is elected Ag Commissioner, a special election would be held to fill the rest of his term. If Heath loses, he can continue his term as 2nd district state representative.
