Mike Hubbard (politician)

Mike Hubbard (born August 11, 1962) is an American businessman and politician from Auburn, Alabama. He served as Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016, becoming the first Republican Speaker since Reconstruction.

Hubbard graduated from Auburn University with a degree in journalism. He began his career in media and public relations, working for the Auburn University athletic department and later founding his own marketing and advertising firm, The Auburn Network, Inc.

He entered politics in 2010, successfully running for the Alabama House of Representatives in District 78. His election coincided with a significant Republican wave in Alabama, and he was quickly elected Speaker of the House by his Republican colleagues.

As Speaker, Hubbard presided over a period of significant legislative changes, including reforms to education, economic development, and government ethics. He played a key role in passing legislation aimed at attracting businesses to Alabama and improving the state's education system.

In 2016, Hubbard was convicted on multiple felony ethics charges related to alleged conflicts of interest between his public office and his private businesses. He was removed from his position as Speaker and eventually sentenced to prison. His conviction was partially overturned on appeal, and he was later retried on some of the remaining charges. He was again convicted, and those convictions were affirmed on appeal.