OHATCHEE, Ala. — Travis Benfield, 41, of Ohatchee, who said at a Labor Day cookout in September 2024 that he would leave the country if Donald Trump won the presidential election, confirmed this week that he remains in Calhoun County.

Benfield said the statement was accurate as he delivered it.

"I said 'if,'" Benfield said. "I said if he wins, I might look at my options. That was always the statement."

A review of the statement, as recalled by three individuals present at the cookout at 114 Ridgemont Circle, found that Benfield said he was "done with this country" if Trump won and that he was "serious this time." Two of the three recalled him adding, "I'm not kidding."

Benfield said the individuals may be accurately recalling the general spirit of the conversation but noted that the specific word "if" carries significant legal and conversational weight.

He said he did look at his options. He said his options included Portugal and Costa Rica, both of which he researched for approximately 45 minutes. He said Portugal was expensive and that his Spanish was not strong enough for Costa Rica.

Benfield said he is not a quitter. He said he still has concerns about the direction of the country.

"I'm staying to fight," he said. "That was always the other option."

Benfield said he does not regret the statement. He said he would like the record to reflect that he said "if."

He currently lives with his wife and two children in the same house on Ridgemont Circle where the cookout was held. He is employed at the Oxford Lowe's.