FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 10, 2026: 

Nicole Jones Wadsworth makes campaign stop in Huntsville to reflect on Alabama’s role in the space race

By: Nicole Jones Wadsworth, PhD, MBA, MS; Candidate for Lt. Governor of Alabama

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Nicole Jones Wadsworth, Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor, returned to her hometown of Huntsville this week for a meaningful campaign stop that highlighted Alabama’s roots in innovation and its continued role in shaping America’s future in space.

At the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s “Business Over Breakfast,” held in Huntsville’s Research Park, Jones Wadsworth reflected on Huntsville’s historic contributions to the space program from the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969 to the renewed excitement surrounding NASA’s Artemis program. With Artemis II set to return to Earth today, April 10, 2026, the moment served as a powerful reminder of North Alabama’s enduring place at the forefront of exploration.

“It was a pleasure to visit with keynote speaker, historian and CEO of Magna Vista Group Ralph Petroff,” Jones Wadsworth said. “Mr. Petroff spoke about Huntsville’s remarkable role in space history and its connection to Artemis II. Conversations like this remind us how deeply innovation is rooted in our communities.”

Petroff, a longtime advocate for preserving and promoting America’s space legacy, shared his vision for establishing Apollo Day as part of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. The initiative aims to create a large-scale event centered on space, STEM, and the arts, thus positioning Huntsville and the entire state of Alabama as a global destination for education, culture, and innovation.

The proposed Apollo Day would follow a strategic five-year growth plan: brand launch in 2026, expansion of reach in 2027, and gradual building into a regional, national, and ultimately international event. By blending heritage, science, family travel, music, and culture, the initiative represents a unique economic opportunity for Alabama, especially in tourism and workforce development.

Ralph Petroff tied-in teamwork and college football to his presentation, reflecting on a moment when Bear Bryant and Shug Jordan joined forces in a commercial to advocate for the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. He mentioned that collectively leaders in the public and private sector can make a similar effort to advocate for Apollo Day.

Nicole Jones Wadsworth shared a personal connection to Huntsville’s legacy. “Earlier in my career, I used to eat breakfast with many of the men and women who helped Werner Von Braun,” she said. “As Mr. Petroff mentioned, many lived on Monte Sano Mountain. Their stories, their dedication have forever touched my heart. It is part of who we are. People across Alabama can unite and celebrate our shared commitment to space exploration.”

Jones Wadsworth emphasized that Alabama's role in the space race bridges the past, present, and future. “From putting a man on the moon to preparing for the next generation of exploration, our state has always been a place where big ideas take flight. We need leadership that understands how to support growth and innovation and ensure the opportunities stay right here at home.”

The crowd thanked the Madison Chamber of Commerce and their sponsors (Cepeda, Rosenblum Realty, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Uniti Fiber, Legend Realty-Madison, Woody Anderson Ford-Madison, Trustmark, First National Bank, and the National Children’s Advocacy Center) for hosting the event and bringing together business and community leaders to continue those conversations.

“Thank you to the Madison Chamber for another great Business Over Breakfast,” Jones Wadsworth said. “Together, we can Build a Better Alabama.”

 

Nicole Jones Wadsworth is a career site selector and commercial real estate developer and a Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama.