Robert J. Bentley

Robert J. Bentley, born on February 3, 1943, in Columbiana, Alabama, is a notable figure in American politics, medicine, and business. He earned his M.D. from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1968 and served as a medical officer in the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of captain. After his military service, Bentley established a successful career in private practice, opening multiple dermatology clinics across the southern United States.

His political journey began in 2002 when he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives, where he served two four-year terms until 2010. Bentley's ambition led him to run for governor, and in 2010, he secured the Republican nomination amidst a competitive seven-candidate primary. He triumphed in the general election against Democrat Ron Sparks, garnering over fifty-eight percent of the vote, marking a historic victory margin for a Republican in Alabama.

Re-elected in 2014, Bentley achieved the highest percentage of votes for a Republican gubernatorial candidate in modern Alabama history, with sixty-three point six percent. However, his tenure was marred by controversy. In April 2016, allegations surfaced regarding an extramarital affair with a political aide, leading to an impeachment inquiry initiated by Republican State Representative Ed Henry.

Despite admitting to making inappropriate remarks, Bentley denied any physical affair. The situation escalated, and by April 2017, the Ethics Commission found probable cause for violations of ethics and campaign finance laws. On April 10, 2017, Bentley resigned from his position as governor after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges related to campaign finance, which included using state resources to conceal his affair. As part of his plea deal, he accepted a lifetime ban from seeking public office in Alabama.