 On February 2, Governor Bentley named six finalists for the appointment.The list included U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt, Senate President pro tempore Del Marsh, Attorney General Strange; Bentley ACEA appointee Jim Byard, state Representative Connie Rowe, and former state Representative Perry Hooper Jr.Following the Sessions confirmation on February 8, 2017, Bentley announced Strange's appointment on February 9.