State Rep. Tim Wadsworth was one of the first public officials to endorse Donald Trump for president. When the inauguration day arrives, he will be front and center at the event to wish the 45th president well.

Like many who supported Trump, Wadsworth, of Arley in Winston County, saw a candidate who did not seem indebted to special interest groups and was plain-spoken about immigration.

“I know when I first was elected to the Legislature, you would come out of the State House and see 40 lobbyists waiting,” Wadsworth said. “I saw Donald Trump as someone who was indebted to anyone. I also want the immigration laws enforced. I’m not against anyone coming here, I just want it to be legal and fair.”

Wadsworth said he was convinced Trump was best to lead the country when he saw him battling in a field of 15 other candidates in the Republican primary. When Trump first came to Mobile to campaign, Wadsworth was there to introduce him.

“It’s just a real honor to be involved. I think we need someone who is willing to stand up for working people. I think we have someone now,” Wadsworth said.

Wadsworth will be arriving in Washington today to prepare for Friday’s inauguration. He will join other Alabamians in the Green section, which he said is front and center from where Trump will take the oath of office.

“I think Trump will help pull us together. I have a friend who will be marching the next day against him. We all have a right to express our views if we do it in a peaceful manner. I respect that someone else has that view. We all gain something from each other when we respect different views,” he said.

Wadsworth said he will be taking plenty of photographs at the inauguration. And while there may be no chance to say hello to the new president, they have met before.

“He was great to talk to. Down to earth,” he said. “That was a great experience and I hope people will get behind him so that we can see some good things accomplished for the country.”