Robert Bentley

Robert Bentley. Robert Julian Bentley is an American politician and physician who served as the 53rd Governor of Alabama from 2011 until his resignation in 2017. A member of the Republican Party, his tenure was marked by economic initiatives and a major ethics scandal. Prior to his governorship, he practiced dermatology in Tuscaloosa and served in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Early life and education

He was born in Columbiana, Alabama, and graduated from Shelby County High School. Bentley attended the University of Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964 and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1968. Following medical school, he served as a captain in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1971, stationed at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. He completed his medical residency in dermatology at the University of Alabama Medical Center.

Medical career

After his military service, Bentley established a successful dermatology practice in Tuscaloosa, which he operated for over three decades. He was a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and served as president of the Alabama Dermatology Society. His medical career provided a foundation for his political persona, often emphasizing his background as a "doctor and businessman" during campaigns. He was also involved with the DCH Regional Medical Center and various community health initiatives in West Alabama.

Political career

Bentley entered politics relatively late, first winning election to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2002, representing District 63. He served two terms, focusing on healthcare and economic development legislation. In 2010, he entered the crowded Republican primary for Governor of Alabama, positioning himself as a political outsider. He defeated candidates like Tim James and Bradley Byrne in a runoff, and then won the general election against the Democratic nominee, Ron Sparks, the Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.

Governorship of Alabama

Bentley was inaugurated on January 17, 2011. His administration prioritized job creation, signing the Alabama Jobs Act and tax incentives aimed at attracting companies like Airbus and Remington Outdoor Company. He oversaw the state's response to devastating tornado outbreaks in 2011 and declared a state of emergency during the 2014 Alabama water crisis. However, his second term became dominated by scandal following revelations of an alleged affair with a senior political advisor, Rebekah Caldwell Mason. The Alabama Ethics Commission found probable cause for violations, and the Alabama House of Representatives began impeachment proceedings. Facing potential conviction, he resigned on April 10, 2017, and was succeeded by Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey. He later pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor campaign finance violations.

Post-gubernatorial life and legacy

Following his resignation, Bentley returned to private life in Tuscaloosa. His political legacy is largely defined by the ethics scandal that ended his tenure, though some point to job growth during his early years. The circumstances of his departure contributed to a period of significant political transition in Alabama, preceding the election of Doug Jones to the United States Senate and the governorship of Kay Ivey. He has maintained a low public profile since leaving office, with occasional involvement in local community and church activities. Category:1943 births Category:Governors of Alabama Category:Alabama Republicans Category:University of Alabama alumni Category:American dermatologists