Congressman Dale Strong has deep family roots in North Alabama. A graduate of Sparkman High School, Dale holds a bachelor's degree from Athens State University and an EMT license from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
No stranger to hard work, Dale grew up working at his father's country store. Dale's father, Horace, launched a tour bus business taking North Alabama school and church groups on charter trips across the country. Working alongside his father, Dale's efforts helped put him, his brother and sister through college.
A true public servant, Dale has spent his entire adult life as a committed first responder. The congressman, who has served for more than three decades as an EMT, volunteer firefighter and 911 dispatcher, holds a Medal of Valor in recognition of his unwavering dedication to saving lives.
In 1996, Dale became the youngest Republican elected official in the state of Alabama when he was elected to serve on the Madison County Commission, representing District 4. In this capacity, Dale led numerous public safety and infrastructure initiatives, improving the quality of life for county residents.
Dale married Laura Toney in 1999. The couple, who have been married for 22 years, have two children: Whitney and Harrison, who are both attending Auburn University. The family attends Mt. Zion Baptist Church, the same church family Dale shared as a child.
In 2012, Dale was elected as the Madison County Commission's first-ever Republican chairman. Taking a business-minded approach to local government, Dale reduced the county workforce, brought about department efficiency, and implement sound financial management. Without raising taxes, Dale's leadership resulted in the construction of new roads and schools across Madison County.
Throughout his tenure as chairman of the Madison County Commission, Dale collaborated with leaders across North Alabama to successfully recruit game-changing projects such as Toyota Mazda, Polaris, Facebook, Blue Origin, and GE Aviation to the region. He also played a vital role in working alongside Alabama's federal delegation to support Redstone Arsenal and Research Park, helping attract the FBI and Space Command to the Tennessee Valley.
In November 2022, Dale was elected to serve as the next congressman for Alabama's Fifth Congressional District. Upon assuming office, Dale immediately began to advocate for his constituency, receiving assignments to serve on the House Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Science, Space and Technology Committees for the 118th Congress.