Gary Palmer’s primary opponents not convinced that he would be a conservative speaker
On Sunday, Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) announced that he will seek to be elected as the next Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. However, his two primary opponents in Alabama remain skeptical about Palmer’s commitment to conservative principles. Palmer is facing two Republican primary opponents, Ken McFeeters and Gerrick Wilkins. Alabama Today spoke with McFeeters on Sunday about Palmer and his campaign to be Speaker of the House. McFeeters is an independent insurance agent. “Congressman Palmer might just get the Speakership as Congress has proven it doesn’t want a true conservative by not selecting Jim Jordan, so Gary might be their man,” McFeeters said. “More status quo, more multi-billion-dollar socialist spending bills/CARES Acts, more shutdowns, more “corporatism.” If Congressman Palmer is selected, and I think that’s what Congress wants.” McFeeters did not think that a Speaker Palmer would excite the Republican electorate. “I wish Congress did what the people wanted on occasion,” McFeeters added. “A side note. Gary’s own constituents cannot trust him because he broke his term limits pledge. Thus, why would his colleagues trust him as their next Speaker?” On Monday, Alabama Today spoke with Wilkins – a longtime businessman who declared his candidacy for House District six late last week. “We do need to get the Speaker’s race resolved, but I think there are better choices than Gary Palmer,” Wilkins said. “I think Byron Donalds is the best choice in the Speaker’s race.” “Gary started as a strong conservative, but he has lost his way,” Wilkins said. “He now sides with the establishment more than with the people. He even opposed the parent’s bill of rights.” Wilkins objected to Palmer’s decision earlier this year to renounce his term limits pledge and run for a sixth term. “I think what you say matters,” Wilkins said. “I have been in business for 24 years, and now I am devoting considerable time and resources to this race.” Palmer is facing eight opponents in his bid to be the next Speaker of the House. The House Republican Conference will meet Monday evening to select a new nominee for the open Speaker of the House race. The last two nominees, Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise could not unite the caucus. It takes a simple majority of the Conference to win the Republican nomination, but winning the Speaker of the House position requires 217 Republicans to vote in favor of the nomination. With ultra-conservatives and more mainstream Republicans refusing to vote for the Conference’s nominee, it has been difficult for Republicans to elect a Speaker. Palmer will still have to face McFeeters and Wilkins in the Republican primary. The major party primaries are on March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
House District 55 Democratic runoff election is Tuesday
Democratic voters go to the polls on Tuesday in the House District 55 special Democratic primary election. Travis Hendrix received the most votes in the primary but not nearly enough to win without a runoff. If elected, Sylvia Swayne would be the first transgender elected in the history of Alabama politics. This vacancy in the Alabama House of Representatives was due to the resignation of Rep. Fred Plump (D-Fairfield) after he entered a plea deal in a federal corruption probe that has rocked the Alabama Legislature. Hendrix received 670 votes (27.91%) in the crowded Democratic primary field. Swayne came in second with 515 votes (21.45%). Hendrix is a former school resource officer. He has the endorsements of Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville), the Alabama Forestry Association, and more groups. “I was born and raised in Ensley’s Tuxedo Court Public Housing Community,” Hendrix said on his website. “Today, Tuxedo Terrace housing community stands in place of the old Tuxedo Court, affectionately known as “the Brickyard.” Growing up in this area exposed me to the harsh realities faced by many residents, but it also instilled in me the values of service, sacrifice, and the power of prayer, thanks to the strong influence of my grandmother.” “I pursued my education at Ensley High School and later completed a GED program,” Hendrix continued. “I then attended Miles College and went on to earn my bachelor’s degree. I then furthered my education, and I obtained a master’s degree from Oakland City University. Alongside my educational journey, I take immense pride in being a devoted father, an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and a law enforcement officer. I have served as a school resource officer and on a task force dedicated to the public housing community. I take public safety seriously. Throughout my life, I have consistently pushed beyond established standards and exceeded expectations. I firmly believe that District 55 deserves a leader who possesses both the capabilities and the unwavering determination to advocate for change. I am committed to tirelessly fighting until our shared vision for the community is realized.” Swayne has the support of the LGBTQ+ community, including former State Rep. Patricia Todd. Swayne is extremely popular on TikTok. Swayne is a 2019 graduate of the University of Alabama. “Part of the reason I’m running is this idea that trans people and drag queens and other members of the LGBT community are this threat to society, and that is purely artificially injected into the conversation,” Swayne told Teen Vogue. “Whether or not people support us as trans people is not my concern. My concern is while they’re using the trans community, and the LGBT community at large, to distract all of us, they’re leaving the rest of Alabama behind. We all lose when we engage in divisive politics and pointing fingers at one group while disenfranchising another.” The runoff will likely decide this race, as there was no Republican candidate in the general election. The eventual winner in HD55 will serve for the remainder of Plump’s term and will have to face the voters in 2026 like the rest of the Alabama Legislature. Alabama does not have party registration, and since there was no Republican primary, the crossover voting prohibition does not apply. All registered voters in HD55 may participate in Tuesday’s election. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Voters must bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls to participate in the election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt: “We want Hamas to be destroyed”
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) held a bipartisan press conference in Israel, which is entering its third week of war with Hamas. The Sens., led by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), discussed what they saw and heard while on the ground in Israel Sunday. The delegation of Senators visited Israel as part of an official trip to the Middle East to meet with key leaders, advocate for regional stability and long-term sustainable peace, and emphasize the United States’ unequivocal support for Israel in the wake of the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7. Britt said, “I want to start by thanking Senator Graham. Thank you for getting this group together. You and Senator Cardin put together a group of bipartisan senators – each of us set foot in this country not as a Democrat or a Republican. We set foot here united as Americans, standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel.” The Senators met with the families of Israelis who were taken hostage by Hamas and are being held in Gaza. Israeli authorities say that Hamas has taken 222 hostages. “When we walked in the room today and talked to the families of these hostages, I listened as a mom, I listened as a wife, as a daughter, as a sister,” Sen. Britt said. “Thinking what these families are going through, thinking what each individual hostage is going through is absolutely unbearable.” Over 1,100 people were killed and 2,800 wounded when Hamas fighters came across the Gaza border on a murderous rampage October 7. “When we watched the videos and heard the stories today, the things that happened were unthinkable,” Britt said. “The loss of life – kids having to watch their parents be murdered. Parents having to watch their children be burned to death, women having to be raped, kids decapitated. It’s disgusting, it’s despicable, and it is pure evil.” Britt said that Israel has a right to defend herself. “Make no mistake, I believe that people of all faiths can coexist in peace and prosperity,” said Britt. “But I do not believe that good can coexist with evil. And when evil rears its head, we must look it in the eyes, and we must take it down – and Hamas is pure evil. Israel has every right to defend herself – and not only the right – they have the obligation, the obligation to their children and their children’s children. They have an obligation to the innocent. They have an obligation to the peace-loving people of this world. And that is ultimately what we want. We want Hamas to be destroyed, and we want peace to be restored.” “President Reagan said that ‘evil cannot exist if the good are unafraid,” said Britt. “Iran, Hamas – we stand here today to tell you that we are unafraid. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel. We will take you down.” In addition to Senators Britt, Graham, and Cardin, the delegation included Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-South Dakota), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), and Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut). “Thank you all. Ten percent of the United States Senate is in Israel,” said Sen. Graham. “Ten percent of the United States Senate is in Israel because we care. Five Republicans and five Democrats. If I had a bigger plane, we probably would have brought the entire Senate.” “The goal going forward is to take from this horror and try to make this a better world,” Graham said. “I saw things today that I didn’t think were possible in 2023. I’ve seen grown men who’ve been fighting wars all of their lives be stunned by what they saw. The level of barbaric behavior here is beyond my ability to explain it.” Hamas released two American women, a mother and daughter. Hamas had taken hostages just before the Senators arrived in the war-torn country. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Personnel Update: Commerce Sec. Greg Canfield to retire, Kay Ivey appoints Ellen McNair
On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey announced that Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield will step down after 12 Years of Service. Ivey announced that she will appoint economic developer Ellen McNair to take over next year. Canfield will stay on until the end of the year. “Throughout my time as governor, we have proudly solidified Alabama as a top state for doing business, and no doubt, Greg has been a key part of that success,” Ivey said. “Together, we have secured more than $42 billion in new investments in our state, which has created 78,000 good-paying jobs,” said Governor Ivey. “Greg will go down as one of Alabama’s best economic development heads, and he will be noted for projects like Mazda Toyota and credited for branding the Made in Alabama name worldwide. I will forever be grateful for all that Greg has accomplished for our state, and I know he will continue having great success in his career.” Previously, Canfield served in the Alabama House of Representatives. In both his role at Commerce and in the Legislature, Canfield has been a champion for pro-business legislation. In this past legislative session, he helped Gov. Ivey pass Alabama’s economic incentive package, “The Game Plan.” Ivey says this legislation will help the state continue attracting businesses and industry and support existing companies for years to come. After a long career in the private sector, Secretary Canfield took the helm of the Alabama Development Office in 2011 and reorganized the department into the Department of Commerce. During his tenure, Alabama launched its first-ever strategic economic development plan: Accelerate Alabama. The state has established new records in international exports, capital investment, and job creation. Secretary Canfield represented Alabama on business and trade missions to 30 countries across the globe and is credited for launching Commerce’s successful rural development strategy. “I am proud to have been a part of Governor Ivey’s cabinet, and I am proud of the team of professionals we have assembled at Commerce. I am more confident than ever that Alabama is poised for a robust era of economic expansion that will transform the trajectories of communities and families across the state,” said Secretary Canfield. “I am honored to have made a contribution to the effort to improve Alabama’s future, and I know that the momentum we’ve built will continue to grow in the capable hands of Ellen McNair.” McNair will take over the Commerce Department on January 1. McNair is currently chief economic development officer with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. Throughout McNair’s tenure at the Chamber, she has successfully worked on almost 600 national and international projects with a capital investment of over $8 billion, resulting in nearly 30,000 new jobs for the Montgomery community. “I have known Ellen since my days at the Alabama Development Office, and I know she will be of tremendous value to the state of Alabama,” Ivey said. “She sees past just the investment and jobs numbers and knows that these results are changing the lives of Alabama families. Ellen has partnered with Greg and I to bring growth to the Montgomery area, and I am confident we will see success like that all over the state.” McNair was the senior project manager and a member of the negotiating team that brought Hyundai Motors Corporation to Montgomery. Former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange and current Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed described McNair as a “smooth bulldog” and “tenacious.” “I am extremely honored to have been selected by Governor Kay Ivey for this very important role,” McNair said. “Economic development has been a passion and focus for the governor her entire career. The success of the state under Governor Ivey’s and Secretary Canfield’s leadership is unprecedented. These will certainly be big shoes to fill.” “I have great respect for Secretary Canfield and the Commerce team, and we will work together for a smooth transition,” McNair continued. “The state of Alabama is blessed with many strong local and regional economic development professionals, and I look forward to working closely with them and the entire state team to continue Alabama’s smart and strategic economic development.” Before working with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, McNair worked for the Alabama Department of Commerce. McNair first entered the economic development sector after graduate school in the Department of Economics at Auburn University. At that time, Governor Ivey served as assistant director of the Alabama Development Office, now known as the Department of Commerce. McNair comes to lead the Department of Commerce with 40 years of economic development experience and a handful of firsts. On top of being the first female project manager at the Alabama Department of Commerce, she was the first woman Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) in Alabama and one of a handful of economic development professionals in Alabama with this designation. She was also the first woman president of the Economic Development Association of Alabama and the first woman to lead a major metro area’s economic development effort in the state. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Charlotte Meadows prioritizes parental rights, school choice in announcing State Board of Education, District 3 run
Republican Charlotte Meadows announced today that she would be seeking the Republican nomination for State Board of Education, District 3. “Education in Alabama is my driving passion. For too long, we have suffered at the bottom of national rankings,” Meadows said. “Obviously, what we have been doing the last 30 years has not been working. It is time for a new direction on the Board of Education.” Charlotte Meadows is a former representative in the Alabama Legislature and a former member of the Montgomery Public Schools Board of Education. She currently serves as the board chair of LEAD Academy, a public Charter School. Meadows has extensive ties from all over District 3. She represented the Montgomery portion for three years, was raised in Montgomery, spent summers in Elmore County, and now lives in Shelby County. “It is more important than ever that parents have a say in their children’s education,” Meadows added. “The woke indoctrination of our society is very dangerous, and we need vigilant warriors protecting what our children are being exposed to in our schools and libraries.” Meadows is married to Dr. Allen Meadows and is a mother of three and grandmother of three. “I am a strong proponent of school choice, and not just in affluent zip codes. We need to ensure that all kids have the tools they need to succeed in life,” Meadows concluded. “Changing the focus on the State Board of Education will be the first step to improving our state’s education crisis.” The district includes all of Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Elmore, and Shelby Counties, as well as the southern portion of Jefferson County and portions of Montgomery and Talladega Counties. Stephanie Bell has been in this seat for almost 30 years. The Republican Primary will be held on March 5, 2024. for State Board of Education
Republicans announce nine new speaker candidates
By Casey Harper | The Center Square Nine new Republican lawmakers have thrown their hat in the ring to become the next speaker of the U.S. House. Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik released the list of candidates, who had until noon Sunday to announce their candidacy. The list, which Stefanik posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, is as follows: The new list of candidates comes after former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was ousted from the role when Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., filed a motion to vacate. Then, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., was the party’s choice to become speaker, but he withdrew when he was unable to get the support he needed. House Judiciary Chair Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, was next in line and worked for several days to get the needed 217 votes to become speaker. However, at least 20 Republicans voted against him across his three floor-vote attempts, and on Friday, his nomination was revoked. Some of the candidates have more support than others. Donalds’ announcement drew more attention than some others. Emmer has been a rumored pick for speaker as well. However, conservative Republicans have expressed frustration with moderate Republicans for rejecting Jordan, who had significant support with the Republican base but was seen as a hardline conservative who questioned the results of the 2020 presidential election. “The most popular Republican in Congress was just knifed in an anonymous vote in a secret closed-door meeting in the basement of the Capitol,” Gaetz wrote on X Friday. “This is the Swamp at work.” Meanwhile, some more moderate Republicans have expressed frustration with Gaetz and do not want to reward his ousting of McCarthy with an aggressive conservative pick. As The Center Square previously reported, Jordan sparked pushback from his own party on Thursday after reports surfaced that he said behind closed doors he would back the speaker pro Tempore, U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., for a limited temporary speakership role so the government could be funded and other key legislative goals hit. The federal government faces a partial shutdown in November, and there is increasing pressure to send more funds for the Ukraine and Israel wars. President Joe Biden called on Congress to pass a spending package of $105 billion for those wars as well as some border funding and money for Taiwan, which national security experts say China could invade at any time. Jordan later addressed reporters, announcing he would drop that plan and instead hold another vote. That plan still has potential to take effect. While many Republicans have expressed opposition to the idea, Democrat Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has seemed open to the idea when talking with reporters. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Gary Palmer to run for Speaker of the House
The U.S. House of Representatives has been leaderless for almost three weeks now. The House has been rudderless as GOP factions fight one another. After both of the House Republican Conference’s top nominees lost, nearly a dozen candidates have come forward seeking the position. One of these is Alabama Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06). On Saturday, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-New York) announced that Palmer is among the declared House candidates. Palmer is serving in his fifth term, representing suburbs and rural areas around Birmingham. Palmer released a statement on Sunday. “Because of reckless government policies, Americans across the country are struggling to make ends meet, to afford groceries, gas, and other everyday necessities,” Rep. Palmer said in a statement. “Families are worried about the safety of their children because our cities are riddled with crime, and fentanyl is flooding across our borders. Americans are anxious about the future because out-of-control spending threatens to bankrupt our nation. Additionally, weak leadership has jeopardized our national security.” “All of this is happening at a time when our nation is the most divided it has been in nearly 160 years,” Palmer continued. “If we ignore these issues, America will decline into the footnotes of history. This doesn’t need to be our future, but how do we change our course? It starts with steady, conservative leadership.” “That’s what Republicans can offer the country, if we come together and unite behind new leadership and a common vision in the House of Representatives focusing on the things that matter to the American people. The things that matter to our future,” Palmer said. “The Republican majority must be willing to make the reforms necessary to ensure fiscal responsibility and restore people’s faith in their government – and in us as their elected representatives. We cannot do this until we are united as Republicans and get back to serving the people who sent us to Washington to defend and advance their interests and not our own.” “The American people are desperate for authentic leadership, leaders who will work to move the nation forward,” said Palmer. “As Republicans, we must show a contrast. There is a distinct difference between our vision for a prosperous and strong America and the vision of the Democrats that has done so much harm. This is why I decided to step forward in the race for Speaker of the House. To do what I can to put our differences behind us and unite Republicans behind a clear path forward, so we can do our job for the benefit of the American people.” Palmer has chaired the Republican Study Committee since 2019 and is a member of House leadership. After Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-AL06) was ousted on October 3, Palmer said we still need to govern the country. “What we just experienced has never occurred in the history of our nation,” Palmer said. “For the first time, a Speaker of the House has been removed. This action is reflective of how divided our nation is, including among Republican members of the House. While I am deeply disappointed about where we are, we still must find a way to govern.” “Our country faces a $33 trillion debt crisis threatening the future of all Americans – those living and those yet to be born,” Palmer continued. “Our border is not secure, threatening not only our economy but also our national security. As Republicans, we must find a way to come together and choose a leader who can unify our party and has the ability to address these issues head on. We have a job to do for the American people, and they deserve a unified majority focused on what’s best for the nation.” Palmer voted against ousting McCarthy. In the race for Speaker, he thrice voted for Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Jordan’s withdrawal opened up the race for new candidates. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) was the first choice for Speaker, but he withdrew when hardline Jordan supporters refused to back Scalise. Moderate and mainstream Republican members then blocked Jordan’s election. Whoever is nominated by the House Republican Conference will have to receive 217 votes to be elected by the full House of Representatives. Jordan failed to do that on three votes. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mallory Hagan: Hospital consolidation is killing patients
For people already working to make ends meet, choosing between paying for medical visits and other critical needs like childcare, rent, and groceries can be impossible. But that is exactly what many people here in Alabama and across the country face when they cannot afford medical care. It is a system rife with out-of-control costs, and it is time to confront them head-on. We need our elected leaders to take the necessary steps to help solve the causes that are driving up healthcare costs. No patient who leaves a doctor’s office should see an unexpected upcharge on their medical bill from a previous visit, but that is exactly what is happening for many healthcare consumers in Alabama. It starts with hospital consolidation. A recent article highlighting an analysis from the Physicians Advocacy Institute shows that nearly 70 percent of all doctors were employed by either a hospital or a corporation in 2021. The article goes on to say “the medical groups were associated with higher prices.” And that is the problem. These new owners of physician practices are driving up costs through unfair medical billing. How does this happen? When a large hospital corporation takes over private physician practices and a patient goes in for a routine doctor visit at that practice, hospitals can charge higher prices for the delivery of care. The upcharge is solely based on new ownership of the location – not on the care they received. It is a troubling trend brought on by large hospital consolidation, leaving patients with higher medical costs and exacerbating our nation’s grim outlook on the affordability of health care. Sherry Glied, the dean of the Wagner School of Public Service at New York University, said, “Private equity is like the system on steroids. Every time there is an opportunity for making money, [private equity] is going to move faster than everyone else. And consolidation is the way to do that.” Shame on them for putting profit over patients. It is imperative that lawmakers take action to combat unfair hospital billing. I’m glad to see that the Facilitating Accountability in Reimbursements Act (FAIR) proposed in the House and the Site-based Invoicing and Transparency Act (SITE) proposed in the Senate are opportunities to crack down on unfair medical billing practices, creating a pathway for site-neutral payment policies that could reduce Medicare spending by a whopping $153 billion. The support of everyone in the Alabama delegation is necessary to move the FAIR and SITE Acts forward, especially leaders like Congresswoman Terri Sewell, who sit on influential committees like the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health. I look forward to a healthcare landscape in Alabama and across the country where more patients can focus on improving their health and that of their loved ones, not toiling over unfair hospital bills. The bipartisan work of our lawmakers can help bring costs down for patients through sensible, fair billing reform. It is imperative that the work starts now. Alabama families, workers, seniors, and children are waiting to see the benefits of these much-needed cost-savings. Mallory Hagan was crowned Miss America in 2013 and now resides in Madison, Alabama.
Alabama to buy more Israeli bonds
On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey and State Treasurer Young Boozer announced the Alabama Treasurer’s Office plans to increase its investments in Israeli treasury bonds to support Israel. “Alabama unapologetically and unequivocally stands with our friend and ally Israel,” said Governor Ivey. “I am proud our state will increase our investment in Israeli bonds as they rightfully defend themselves and fight for their people. The state of Alabama was the first state to recognize Israel as a nation, and we will always support them as one of our closest and strongest allies.” The Israeli government will be issuing new bonds to help fund its war against Hamas and Hezbollah. Ivey and Boozer announced that Alabama has been placed at the forefront of the list of institutional buyers. As soon as these bonds are accessible, the State Treasurer’s Office is committed to increasing its holdings in Israeli bonds. “We believe in Israel’s ability to weather storms and emerge stronger, just as it has in the past,” said Treasurer Boozer. “Investing in Israel Bonds is a testament to our longstanding belief in Israel’s resilience and the value it brings to the global economy.” Boozer said that despite any challenges or crises, Israel has always demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation. Alabama’s goal in investing in Israeli bond holdings is to support Israel’s ongoing efforts, economy, and future growth, especially in this time of war. The State Treasurer’s Office has invested in Israel bonds since 2016, during Boozer’s previous tenure as State Treasurer. Boozer was Treasurer from 2011 to 2019, then Alabama’s term limit law prevented him from serving a third consecutive term. John McMillan was elected Treasurer in 2018 but resigned from the position in 2021 to be the Director of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. Gov. Ivey then appointed Boozer to finish McMillan’s term as Treasurer. He was then elected in his own right in 2022. On October 7, Hamas forces invaded Israel by air, land, and sea from the Gaza Strip, inflicting tremendous loss of life on the Israeli people and leading the Israeli government to declare war on Hamas. Israeli forces are expected to enter Gaza in force in the coming days. Alabama’s leaders, including Ivey, have since declared their anger at the attacks and their continued support for the Israeli state. Gaza is a 140-square-mile area that used to be attached to Egypt. The Israelis took it during the 1967 war with the Arabs in Israel. It was an occupied territory by the Israelis from then to 2005. The Israelis withdrew their soldiers and settlements in 2005 in a failed land-for-peace deal. In 2007, the terrorist group Hamas overthrew the Palestinian Authority there, declaring their commitment to the destruction of the Jewish state – resulting in the current situation. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Justin Holcomb to challenge Robert Aderholt for Congression District 4
On Monday, Justin Holcomb qualified to run in the Republican primary for Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District (CD4). Holcomb is challenging incumbent Congressman Robert Aderholt, who has represented CD4 for 27 years. Alabama Today spoke with Holcomb at the Tuscaloosa County BamaCarry event in Northport Monday night. Holcomb said he did not want to be a career politician but instead wanted to represent the people for two terms and then return home. Holcomb, a businessman, said that he is self-funding his campaign. Holcomb told the BamaCarry group that if the federal government tries to take their guns, “They will have to arrest me first.” Holcomb promised to abolish the FBI and the ATF if elected. “The alphabet soup federal agencies were not the intent of the Founders,” Holcomb explained. Holcomb said that he previously started a corporation that he took public and which is now being traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Holcomb said in a statement that he has “spent the last eight years fighting for Alabama’s core values nationwide, working to defend and promote President Donald Trump and his initiatives, and spent several of those years working in the private sector creating jobs and entering a company into the public market via the Nasdaq.” Holcomb promised to “bring institutional change to the federal government.” “Our campaign has visited nearly every county in the Fourth District over the past two weeks, and there is one resounding concern we hear time and time again: we need new leaders in Washington,” Holcomb said. “The People of Alabama shouldn’t be underestimated, but we have been for far too long. We will change that on March 5th, putting the country and the world on notice that we will never be taken advantage of again by career politicians who try and sedate our strong political beliefs and desires with feel-good stories about doing the absolute bare minimum in Washington, while cowering at the rear as President Trump takes shot after shot from the left and fake Republicans. We don’t send leaders to Washington to protect their own careers while they endlessly steer our government into chaotic wars and economic disasters; we send them to make our People more powerful, respected, and competitive in the global arena. Change is necessary in our system of government, and we will show the world what change looks like on March 5th.” On Monday, Aderholt appeared to acknowledge that he would be facing a challenger in the primary. “I’m confident a Republican can win back the White House next year,” Aderholt said in a statement. “And that’s why the House of Representatives needs to stay in Republican control and why we need experienced leadership ready to tackle our nation’s problems on day one. This is not the time for on-the-job training.” Aderholt added, “In the 2022 election, I was humbled to receive 84% of the vote, the most of any Congressional candidate in Alabama. I thank you for that vote of confidence. But I never take your vote for granted, and I am asking for your vote again.” Aderholt has represented CD4 since 1996. He has not had a Republican primary opponent since 2018, when he received 81.5% of the GOP primary vote over Anthony Blackmon. Holcomb is undeterred. “We are on track to have a resounding victory, one that will shake up the political landscape and put Alabama on the map as a leader in the country that gets the respect we rightfully deserve,” Holcomb concluded. Holcomb is a native Alabamian. He has a degree from UAB and attended the United States Naval War College. Holcomb spent some time as a conservative writer before going to work on Capitol Hill. He worked for President Trump before starting his own company. The major party primaries will be on March 5th. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
