After graduating from the University of Alabama in 1989, Estes began working as an employee as the Tuscaloosa News.[2] After a year of working at the Tuscaloosa News, he took a new job with the Montgomery Advertiser Sports Department.[3] In 1991, he quit to take a news editor position at the Journal Record Newspaper, Marion County. He worked as an editor for 27 years before retiring to run for office. During his time as an editor, Estes became a member of the Marion County Republican Party.[4] Estes was also a member of the Alabama Association of School Boards Board of Directors and Winfield Chamber of Commerce. During his time as a legislator, Estes won the Legislative Award from the Alabama Association of School Boards Board of Directors.[5] Estes narrowly defeated his 2018 Republican primary opponent, Phil Segraves, by 139 votes[6] after being endorsed by the Conservation Alabama Action Fund.[7] Estes then ran unopposed and won the 2018 General Election with 98.8% of the vote.[8]
Committee Positions
Estes is a member of the Education Policy,[9] Public Safety and Homeland Security,[10] and Children and Senior Advocacy Committees[11]
2024 arrest and protective order
On September 20, 2024, Estes was arrested on a misdemeamor charge of third degree assault.[12] His wife Christina stated that he began cursing at her at their home, spent two hours pounding the door after she shut her self in the bedroom, and also threatening to beat her.[12] A court record stated that “This type of behavior has occurred numerous times since they have been married."[12] After being jailed, Estes was not immediately released and still remained in custody by the afternoon of September 21.[12] Christina also managed to obtain a judge’s protective order which prohibits Estes from coming within 300 feet (90 meters) of both her and their home.[12] Estes was also required to surrender any firearm he owns.[12]