[3] Hightower graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in business and finance in 1984.
After working in a textile factory in Saraland, Alabama, he attended Vanderbilt University, where he earned a Master of Business Administration in 1990.
[2] Hightower's wife, Susan, ran for the Alabama House of Representatives seat for the 103rd district in 2013, but lost to Margie Wilcox.
[3] Hightower won a special election to the Alabama Senate on March 12, 2013, to succeed Ben Brooks.
[3] He finished in fourth place in the Republican primary, receiving 4% of the vote, and endorsed Kay Ivey in the general election.