Unify Baldwin County: Collaboration, Not Competition as Mike “Van” Vandenheuvel Kicks Off State Senate Campaign

Baldwin County, Ala. — Businessman and community leader Mike “Van” Vandenheuvel has officially kicked off his campaign for Alabama State Senate District 32, offering a positive, solutions-driven vision focused on unity, collaboration, and putting Baldwin County first.

Van is challenging incumbent Senator Chris Elliott, arguing that Baldwin County’s rapid growth and regional importance require more coordinated, cooperative leadership.

State Senate District 32 covers a significant portion of Baldwin County and represents a diverse, fast-growing region that includes coastal communities, historic downtowns, working waterfronts, agricultural areas, and rural neighborhoods. From the southern beaches through central and eastern Baldwin County and surrounding communities, the district reflects both deep-rooted traditions and increasing growth pressures.

“Too often, leaders are pulling in different directions,” Van said. “If we want real results, we have to get on the same page and work together. When Baldwin County comes first and we stop competing with each other, everyone benefits.”

A Platform Built on Unity and Collaboration

At the core of Van’s campaign is a commitment to bringing leaders together regularly to advocate with one clear, unified voice for Baldwin County. He has pledged to work closely with mayors, police chiefs, the sheriff, state representatives, and neighboring senators to ensure alignment on priorities that directly impact the district.

“This campaign is about working together instead of fighting, finding solutions instead of chasing headlines, and treating people with respect,” Van said. “We don’t all have to agree on everything, but we can listen, work together, and focus on what’s best for Baldwin County.”

Van emphasizes that Baldwin County is strongest when its leaders work together.

“When we work together, Baldwin County is stronger.”

Key Areas for Regional Unity

Van believes Baldwin County can lead Alabama by example through unified leadership in several critical areas:

• Protecting waterways and the coastal economy, including strong support for commercial fishermen and fresh Gulf seafood

• Supporting farmers and rural communities while standing firm against overdevelopment that threatens Baldwin County’s character

• Ensuring strong local schools, fair education funding, and opportunity for every student

• Advancing fair economic policies, including cutting taxes for working families and abolishing the grocery tax

• Keeping Baldwin County dollars in Baldwin County through local reinvestment

• Standing with law enforcement and securing the border while working with state and national partners to keep families safe

• Putting infrastructure first — roads, bridges, and utilities — so growth remains responsible and sustainable
  

“Growth is happening,” Van said. “We can either plan for it or let it overwhelm us. Roads, bridges, and utilities have to come first so growth doesn’t hurt our quality of life.”

A Vision for Baldwin County’s Future

Van says his mission is to ensure the economic success, safety, and long-term vitality of every resident in District 32, positioning Baldwin County as one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family in Alabama.

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