Steve Flowers: Contest for New Second Congressional District is the Race to Watch
We are down to the final days of our 2024 Presidential Year. We go to the polls Tuesday, November 5, to elect the next President of the United States. We have no good statewide races in Alabama this year. All our important state offices are up for election in 2026. However, thanks to the federal courts, we have one doozy of a congressional race in the newly drawn Second Congressional District. It is not only the most interesting, important, entertaining contest in Alabama, it is one of the premier, pivotal congressional races in the nation. It may well decide which party has the majority control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The federal courts designed this district to elect a Democrat to Congress from the Heart of Dixie. They blatantly overruled the Alabama Legislature’s constitutional power to draw congressional lines for the state. The federal court hung their hat on the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The new seat is comprised of all of Montgomery County, as well as most of the more rural counties surrounding Montgomery including Macon, Lowndes, Bullock, Pike, Butler, Crenshaw, Barbour, and Russell. It continues through the Black Belt counties like an arrow towards Mobile and gathers most of the Black voters in Mobile. The district goes from the Georgia line to the Mississippi line. The lion’s share of the votes are in Montgomery and Mobile. Although this gerrymandered district was created by the federal courts to implement a new Democratic Black district, as soon as the new lines were drawn, Republicans said, “not so fast” and, “over our dead bodies.” “You ain’t taking it without a fight.” As the beginning of the race began, there were 11 Democrats running in the Democratic Primary and nine Republicans seeking the GOP nomination. When the dust settled after the April primaries, two surprising candidates emerged from the 20 aspirants. The two stellar horses that emerged are thoroughbreds. The Republicans nominated Caroleene Dobson, and the Democrat’s stallion is Shomari Figures. Voters may have subconsciously chosen two young combatants. Youth is an omnipotent advantage in Washington. Dobson and Figures are both in their 30’s and could build generational power under the seniority driven power structure in D.C. They are both sterling candidates who are genuinely representative, philosophically, of their respective party. Figures is a real liberal Democrat and Dobson is a real conservative Republican. Shomari Figures has a Democratic pedigree a mile long. He grew up in Mobile as the son of two legendary state senators. His late father, Michael Figures, served 18 years as a leader in the Alabama Senate. His mother, Vivian Figures, followed Michael, Shomari’s father, in the same Senate seat when he died early. She has become an icon in Mobile and the state senate in her nearly three decades in the upper chamber. The Figures name has been at the forefront of Mobile politics for over four decades and it paid off in the Primary. Shomari received an amazing 92% of the vote in Mobile County. He also carried Montgomery County. It also did not hurt that he was able to outspend all 10 of his opponents combined with the bulk of his money coming from crypto currency groups. Figures has a law degree and has spent his entire career in Washington working for the Obama and Biden Administrations. Dobson is a sensational, sterling, young Republican candidate. She is a homegrown Monroe County girl. Her ancestral home is in the heart of the new district, perfectly nestled between the two metro voting centers of Mobile and Montgomery. She received 88% of the vote in Monroe County. She outdistanced the other major GOP contender, former State Senator Dick Brewbaker, in the Republican Primary by an amazing 59% to 41% to capture the Republican nomination. Dobson is a 37-year-old lawyer, mother, and wife. She is poised and exudes class and integrity. Her family has deep roots in the cattle industry in the state. She has been helped immensely by ALFA. She has worked hard and left no leaf unturned. Regardless, the Republicans and Caroleene will need some help to secure this seat. A low voter turnout among Democratic voters may be the key to victory. This race is the ultimate purple, swing, congressional race in the south, and one of the most important races in the country. It could go either way. About the author: Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at steve@steveflowers.us.
Republican CD2 candidate Wallace Gilberry says he learned life lessons from playing football
Republican Second Congressional District (CD2) candidate Wallace Gilberry is reminding voters of his success playing football for the University of Alabama and in the National Football League. “I cut my teeth on the gridiron in Tuscaloosa,” Gilberry said in a recent fundraising email. “I played for Mike Shula and Nick Saban, then made it 9 seasons in the NFL.” “Football – along with my mom and great-grandmother – taught me everything I know,” Gilberry continued. “Like: 1) Bring glory to God on and off the field 2) Play through the whistle 3) Always stand to honor those who keep us free” “My name is Wallace Gilberry,” Gilberry stated. “If you’ve never heard of me, that’s OK – here’s what you should know: I’m a Black man in America who is familiar with the struggles of our community. But I’m also a Republican who voted for Trump. And I’m running in the single most competitive House race in the entire country.” Democrats are hoping that they can flip Alabama’s Second Congressional District from Republican to Democratic after the federal courts redrew the district to make Congressional District 2 48.7 percent Black. Twenty-one candidates, including Gilberry, have qualified to run for the seat. Second District incumbent Congressman Barry Moore was redistricted to Congressional District 1 where he is challenging incumbent Congressman Jerry Carl in the GOP primary. “I’m running against more than a DOZEN far-left Democrats with an army of mega-donors backing them.,” Gilberry said. “I’ve never run for office. They have. I’ve never even sent an email like this before. But I was raised by a single mom who worked 2 jobs to put food on the table for her 5 kids – being an underdog is nothing new to me or my family. So – with grit and determination in my heart – I’m respectfully asking you to pitch in JUST a few bucks now to fuel my underdog campaign to victory. I promise I’ll make you proud when we win it all. God bless you.” Gilberry is a native of Bay Minette in Baldwin County. He grew up as one of five children and was raised by his single mom and his great-grandmother. Gilberry is one of eight Republicans who have qualified for the March 5 primary ballot. State Senator Greg Albritton, former state Senator Dick Brewbaker, real estate attorney Caroleene Dobson, former Congressional staffer turned Mobile restauranteur Karla M. DuPriest, attorney and real estate broker Hampton S. Harris, Stacey T. Shepperson, and Newton city council member Belinda Thomas are the other seven GOP candidates. Thirteen Democrats have qualified to run as well. The eventual Republican and Democratic nominees will face off in the general election on November 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson promises to limit Tik Tok influence and prevent social media companies from silencing conservative voices
On Thursday, Congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson released a statement promising that she will lead efforts to block the influence of the Chinese-owned TikTok video app and prevent social media conglomerates from silencing conservatives on their platforms if elected to Congress. Dobson, a Montgomery real estate attorney, is a Republican candidate for Alabama’s Second Congressional District seat. “As relations between China and the U.S. continue to erode and every expert agrees that cyber warfare is a real and looming threat, more than 150 million Americans have willingly surrendered their personal information to the Chinese-owned TikTok video app,” Dobson said. “At the same time, those who express opinions contrary to woke ideas and liberal dogma on their social media pages are routinely sent to ‘Facebook jail’ or have their accounts permanently revoked like President [Donald] Trump.” “When social media owners can silence a president and shadow ban all conservative thought with which they disagree, they assume the powers of Third World, Banana Republic dictators,” Dobson continued. “And when the Chinese Communist Party can access the personal information of millions of Americans at any time they wish, we are allowing them to weaponize the internet and placing their fingers upon the trigger.” Dobson promised that she would join the ever-growing number of congressional conservatives who are sponsoring legislation and promoting ideas that will stem the control of social media by the Chinese government and extremist liberal interests. Dobson noted that TikTok is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd. and is by law obligated under China’s “National Intelligence Law” to turn over any information on its American users that is demanded by the ruling Communist Party. During a congressional hearing held earlier this year, the chief executive officer of TikTok also deflected questions about Community Party ties and influence within the company. Dobson pointed to an internal company post by a senior Facebook engineer as evidence of the almost universal liberal domination of the popular social media platform and the contempt that conservative beliefs generate. The post, which was reported by the New York Times, read: “We are a political monoculture that’s intolerant of different views. We claim to welcome all perspectives but are quick to attack — often in mobs — anyone who presents a view that appears to be in opposition to left-leaning ideology.” Dobson has a bachelor’s degree from Harvard and a law degree from the Baylor School of Law. She is married and has two children. She serves on the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Southeast Livestock Exposition and is a member of the Birmingham Chapter of the Federalist Society. Dobson grew up on a cattle farm in Alabama and excelled in high school rodeo. Congressional District 2 has been heavily redrawn ahead of this election. Previously, CD2 was 28% Black. The court-appointed special master redrew Congressional District 2 so that it is now 48.7% Black. It includes all of Montgomery County, the eastern half of the Blackbelt, the northern half of the Wiregrass, and part of Alabama southwest, including most of the City of Mobile. According to data prepared by the special master, there is over a 94% likelihood that a Democrat will win the district. The special master redistricted Second Congressional District incumbent Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) and all of Coffee County out of Congressional District 2 and into Congressional District 1. Moore is challenging incumbent Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) in the First District, so Congressional District 2 is a rare open seat. State Senator Greg Albritton of Atmore, former State Senator Dick Brewbaker, real estate broker attorney Hampton Harris, former Congressional staffer and restauranteur Karla M. DuPriest, football star Wallace Gilberry, Stacey T. Shepperson, and Belinda Thomas are all also running in the Republican primary. The major party primaries are on March 5. If necessary. There will be a Republican primary runoff election on April 16. Thirteen Democrats are running in the Democratic primary. The Republican and Democratic nominees will face off on the November 5 presidential election ballot. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Hampton Harris qualifies for second congressional district
Attorney Hampton Harris launched his campaign for Congress on Wednesday. Harris is one of eight Republicans who qualified Friday to run for Alabama’s redrawn Second Congressional District (CD2). Harris, a Montgomery native, said he is desperate to fight for traditional American values. “We cannot change Washington if we keep sending the same establishment politicians to Congress,” said Hampton Harris. “America is at a crossroads, and members of my generation are desperate to fight for the values that seem to be under assault from the radical left. Weakness won’t defeat the woke. We need strength, energy, and a disciplined commitment to our Constitutional rights.” Harris received a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University at Montgomery in economics with a minor in biology. Following graduation from college, Hampton worked in the emergency department at Baptist Health in Montgomery. He says that there, he witnessed firsthand the looming opioid crisis in Alabama and the failures of socialized medicine managed by a Washington bureaucracy that is far away from the people it is supposed to serve. Harris went on to earn a law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in 2023. While in law school, Harris served as an advocate in the Cumberland School of Law Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic. There, he was able to work directly with veterans across Alabama. “Our working families and seniors are facing the biggest cost of living crisis since the Great Depression, and every day that Biden and the Democrats print more money, inflation gets worse,” Harris said. “They are destroying wealth for those who can least afford these disastrous government policies, and it must stop. I will stand with Speaker Mike Johnson and Congressional conservatives to uphold our God-given liberties and defeat the woke extremists that are weakening America.” Harris owns a real estate brokerage firm serving the Montgomery and Southeast Alabama markets. Harris is married. His wife, Abbi Harris, is also an attorney and serves this country as a member of the United States Air Force. Harris said that he has never wavered from his strong conservative roots. He grew up in a family of seven who were homeschooled by his mother. He says he benefited from his experience growing up in a Christian homeschooling household. Hampton said his upbringing helped him build his life around traditional family values. Previously, CD2 was 28% Black. The court-appointed special master redrew CD2 so that it is now 48.7% Black. The new Second Congressional District includes all of Montgomery County, the eastern half of the Blackbelt, the northern half of the Wiregrass, and part of southwest Alabama including most of the City of Mobile. According to data prepared by the special master, there is over a 94% likelihood that a Democrat will win CD2. The special master redistricted Second Congressional District incumbent Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) and all of Coffee County out of CD2 and into CD1. Moore is challenging incumbent Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) in the First District, so CD2 is a rare open seat. State Senator Greg Albritton of Atmore, former State Senator Dick Brewbaker, attorney Caroleene Dobson, former Congressional staffer and restauranteur Karla M. DuPriest, football star Wallace Gilberry, Stacey T. Shepperson, and Belinda Thomas are all also running in the Republican primary. The major party primaries are on March 5. If necessary. There will be a Republican primary runoff election on April 16. Thirteen Democrats have qualified to run in the Democratic primary. The Republican and Democratic nominees will face off on the November 5 presidential election ballot. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
21 candidates qualify to run in Congressional District 2
Alabama’s Second Congressional District race was already crowded, but by the time major party qualifying ended on Friday at 5:00 p.m., a total of 21 candidates had qualified with the Alabama Democratic Party and the Alabama Republican Party. The Congressional District 2 (CD2) seat is an open seat because the court-appointed special master redrew Alabama’s congressional districts in such a way that two incumbents, Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) and Jerry Carl (R-Enterprise), now live in the same district – Alabama’s First Congressional District. While Moore and Carl battle over which one gets to remain in Congress, CD2 is open with no incumbent. Since the rules for Congressional Districts do not require you to live in the district you are running, politicians from all over Alabama are running for this seat. Thirteen candidates qualified to run in CD2 with the Alabama Democratic Party. Retired Marine and 2020 congressional candidate James Averhart from Mobile qualified. So did State Representative Napoleon Bracy Jr. Bracy represents Prichard. He works for Austal. State Senator Merika Coleman from Jefferson County qualified. Coleman represents Birmingham, Bessemer, and Pleasant Grove. State Representative Anthony Daniels from Huntsville is running for the seat. Daniels is the House Minority Leader. Shomari Figures works in Washington, D.C., for Attorney General Merrick Garland but is originally from Mobile. His parents are State Senator Vivian Figures and the late State Senator Michael Figures (both of Mobile). He has worked for President Barack Obama. Brian Gary is a general surgeon at Jackson Hospital. State Representative Juandalynn Givan represents Birmingham and Forestdale in Jefferson County. Givan is a Jefferson County attorney. State Representative Jeremy Gray represents Lee and Russell Counties in the Legislature. He is the House Minority Whip. Phyllis Harvey-Hall was the Democratic nominee for CD2 in 2022 and 2020. She lost both times to Barry Moore. Willie J. Lenard is a resident of Opelika. Vimal Patel is a successful hotelier, commercial real estate investor, and realtor. He was a candidate in the Democratic primary in 2022 but lost to Harvey-Hall. Larry Darnell Simpson is a musician. Darryl “Sink” Sinkfield is an ASU alum and supporter. Eight Republicans have qualified. State Senator Greg Albritton of Atmore is an attorney. The retired naval officer is currently the House Finance & Taxation General Fund Committee chairman. Dick Brewbaker is a former Montgomery area automobile dealer. The Pike Road resident is a former state senator who served two terms from 2010 to 2018. Caroleene Dobson is a real estate attorney and a former rodeo standout. She serves on the Alabama Forestry Commission and Southeast Livestock Exposition. Karla M. DuPriest is a former candidate for U.S. Senate. She is a longtime congressional staffer who currently runs a popular barbecue restaurant in Mobile. Wallace Gilberry is a former University of Alabama football player who has played for multiple NFL teams. Hampton S. Harris has also qualified for the post. Stacey T. Shepperson qualified on Friday afternoon, right before the close of GOP qualifying. Belinda Thomas serves on the Newton City Council in Dale County. Both major party primaries are on March 5. If necessary, the primary runoff elections will be held on April 16. The eventual Republican and Democratic nominees will then face each other a year from now in the 2024 general election on November 5. The new district lines mean that Congressional District 2 has shifted from being a safe Republican seat to a likely Democratic seat. Given the razor-thin Republican majority in the House of Representatives, this district flipping to the Democrats could help swing control of Congress to the Democrats. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Three Republicans have qualified in Congressional District 2
Three Republicans have qualified to run for Alabama’s Second Congressional District (CD2). State Senator Greg Albritton of Atmore, former State Senator Dick Brewbaker of Pike Road, and prominent real estate attorney Caroleene Dobson of Montgomery have all qualified with the Alabama Republican Party to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in the redrawn CD2. The Second District is currently represented by Congressman Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), but the court-appointed special master redrew the First and Second Congressional Districts in such a drastic way that Moore’s native Coffee County is now in CD1. Rep. Moore is thus challenging incumbent Congressman Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) for the First Congressional District. This has created a rare open seat in CD2, which now includes all of Montgomery County, the eastern half of the Blackbelt, the northern half of the Wiregrass, the counties to the north of Mobile, and most of Mobile. While the voters in the old CD2 were just 28% Black, the new CD2 is 48.7% Black. Analysis of recent elections shows that had CD2 been in its current configuration, Democrats would have won 16 of the last 17 congressional elections. Instead, Republicans won 16 of the previous 17 elections in CD2 as it was drawn then. Undeterred by the challenging demographics of the new CD2, three Republicans have qualified. Greg Albritton has served in the Alabama State Senate, where he is the chairman of the General Fund Finance & Taxation Committee. Albritton is a retired naval officer who served on destroyers and cruisers. His last post in the Navy was as commander of the recruiting station in Mobile. Albritton is an attorney, but he has stopped practicing to focus on his state legislature duties. Albritton lives in Atmore, which is in CD1, but he has a residence in Range in Conecuh County, where he will move back to if he wins the congressional election. “Since I was in Mobile and in the Navy, I’ve lived in the current borders of CD2 for the last thirty-some-odd years,” Albritton said. “So, I know the district. I know what the problems are. I know what the challenges are.” Dick Brewbaker is a native of Montgomery who served two terms in the Alabama Senate from 2010 to 2018. Brewbaker owned a string of automobile dealerships in Montgomery and surrounding areas for decades. “The Democrats have charted a horrible course for this country, and we need to make sure that we continue to have someone in Congress who will stand up for our values and not let the left continue to destroy the fabric of our country.” “The fact of the matter is that spending is out of control, and inflation continues to harm working people,” Brewbaker said in a press conference announcing his candidacy. “The situation in the Middle East is a disaster, and we must have someone in office who will stand with Israel. The border is an open avenue for illegal immigration, drugs, and who knows what else.” Caroleene Dobson is a real estate attorney. She grew up on a cattle farm in Beatrice and excelled in high school rodeo. She has a degree from Harvard and a law degree from Baylor University Law School. “As a member of Congress, I will fight for our families, our farms, and our faith and preserve the bedrock values and moral backbone that have made our nation the greatest ever known,” Dobson said. “It is time to give Washington, D.C. a good dose of Alabama common sense and go to battle against those on the far left who want to control how we use our property and what we do, think, and say.” Dobson is a member of the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Southeast Livestock Exposition, and the Birmingham Chapter of the Federalist Society. Dobson has promised to protect property rights and free speech rights if she is elected to Congress. The Republican primary is scheduled for March 5. The eventual Republican nominee will face the Democratic party nominee in the general election a year from now. To this point, five Democrats have already qualified to run in CD2, with more reportedly considering entering the race. Major Party qualifying ends at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Rep. Jeremy Gray enters Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District race
Jemma Stephenson, Alabama Reflector Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika, jumped into the 2nd Congressional District race on Thursday, becoming the third Democratic member of the Legislature to enter the contest. Gray, first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2018, cited issues including reliable housing, childcare, and women’s rights in an announcement on Facebook. “It’s time for a new generation of leadership to bend the arc of justice,” the statement said. “Because the American Dream should be a promise, not a privilege.” In a video accompanying donation requests, Gray also cited his legislation that allowed yoga exercises to be performed in Alabama schools, ending a nearly three-decade-long ban. Gray, a business owner and personal trainer, played college football for North Carolina State University and later played in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League. A federal court last month approved new congressional maps for the state. The map created a new 2nd Congressional District with a Black Voting Age Population of 48.7%. Due to the racial polarization of Alabama’s voting patterns – where white Alabamians tend to vote Republican and Black Alabamians tend to vote Democratic – the district is seen as a potential pick-up for Democrats. Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, and Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, have also said they will run for the seat. Democrats Terrell Anderson, Phyllis Harvey-Hall, and Austin Vigue are also running for the seat. Attorney Caroleene Dobson is running on the Republican side. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, and Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, have also said they may enter the race. Former Sen. Dick Brewbaker of Pike Road, a Republican, is also considering a run. The 2nd Congressional District includes Montgomery and the southern Black Belt. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Follow Alabama Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
Napoleon Bracy, Kirk Hatcher enter Democratic race for 2nd congressional district
by Jemma Stephenson, Alabama Reflector Two Democratic state legislators have entered the race for Alabama’s new 2nd Congressional District, and a third said Monday he will decide whether to get in in the next 10 days. Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, said in an interview Monday that he will run for the seat. The district stretches from the Mississippi border to the Georgia line and includes Montgomery and much of the Black Belt. “We have an opportunity in this district, for these counties represented, to impact a whole host of issues,” said Hatcher. Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, said in a statement Monday he would also run for the new seat. “This is our time, our time to have a seat at the table built on the backs of those who, my entire lifetime, had been disregarded by their Congressional representatives due to their voting record or area code,” the statement said. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, said in a phone interview Monday he would make a decision about the race before Nov. 9. The new 2nd Congressional District, created by a federal court order at the beginning of October, has a Black Voting Age Population (BVAP) of about 48.7%. With patterns of racial polarization in voting in Alabama, where white Alabamians tend to support Republicans and Black Alabamians tend to support Democrats, the seat is considered a pick-up opportunity for Democrats. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, is currently the only Democrat in Alabama’s seven-member U.S. House delegation. Hatcher, the director of Project Head Start in Montgomery, said he wanted to be an advocate for additional educational resources and for the military bases within the district. Hatcher also said he wants to get more “equity” when it comes to infrastructure issues. “I’m one of those individuals who’s not going in to upset the apple cart,” he said. “I go in to see what works.” Hatcher was elected to the Alabama House in 2018. He won election to the Alabama Senate in 2021 and was re-elected in 2021. Alabama Political Reporter first reported Hatcher’s candidacy. Hatcher said Monday he had the support of Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, who had been seen as a top candidate for the race. Reed told Al.com’s Mike Cason earlier this month that he was considering a run. Adam Muhlendorf, a spokesman for Reed, said Monday the mayor had no comment on his congressional plans. Bracy, a member of the Alabama House since 2010, touted his legislative leadership, including his prior service as chair of the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus in 2013. “At the heart of progress is education, healthcare, economics, and workforce development,” Bracy’s statement said. “And in communities where poverty is still real and economic development is scarce, we have watched the world grow around us while feeling the strain of disinvestment with no one to stand in the gap.” Bracy did not provide further comment beyond the statement. Daniels, who has touted his connections with Bullock County, said he had a track record of delivering programs around the state, including a bill passed in the Republican-controlled Legislature this spring to exempt overtime pay from income tax. He also cited work on behalf of Democratic candidates around the state. “What have you done to make an impact? That’s what voters want to know,” he said. Other figures may jump into the race. Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, said Monday that she was still exploring a candidacy, but she had not decided. She has filed with the FEC due to technicalities around her exploratory committee. Former Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Pike Road, said Monday he is still considering a run in the district. U.S. Rep Barry Moore’s chief of staff confirmed to Al.com’s John Sharp that he would be running in the new 1st Congressional District, setting up a primary battle with current U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile. The new map drew Moore, currently the U.S. representative for the 2nd Congressional District, into the 1st Congressional District. Brewbaker said that Moore’s decision “clears the way for me to run in the 2nd.” “But until I qualify, I don’t want to make an official announcement because you never know what God has for a person,” he said. One other candidate confirmed their candidacy Monday. Phyllis Harvey-Hall said in a phone interview Monday that she is running to be the “people’s candidate” and pointed to her previous runs in the district. Hall’s concerns included women’s healthcare and autonomy, as well as hospitals in rural areas. “So I’m running to be a people’s candidate, the voice and someone that’s going to fight for the things that we need today,” she said. Federal Election Commission filings also show that Harvey-Hall filed on Oct. 18, Terrell Anderson filed in April, and Austin Vigue filed in 2022. The Democratic primary for the seat will take place in March. Editor Brian Lyman contributed to this report. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence.Follow Alabama Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
Magic City Acceptance Academy approved during an unscheduled vote
After three unsuccessful tries to seek approval as an LGBTQ focused charter school, the fourth time, during a meeting in which a vote was not on the agenda, was the charm for the Magic City Acceptance Academy (MCAA). The commission has previously voted against the school, leading to accusations of bias and bullying on both sides. With the supporters of the school repeatedly accusing those who voted against it of “bias” towards the LGBTQ community and those on the other side saying they were being “bullied” themselves for being against the controversial school, which is outside the typical scope of charter schools. The school was previously denied on May 12, April 23, and September 10 and by the Birmingham City School board in January. This time, the day after the presidential election, after taking up an agenda item that would not include a vote, a vote was in fact called and seven of the nine commissioners present voted yes—to approve the school’s application, according to al.com. This will allow the school which will be located in Homewood, Alabama to open in the Fall of 2021. The charter school has gained attention for its controversial emphasis on LGTBQ youth, but in a new approach during this meeting while seeking approval, the group instead emphasized their plan to use trauma-informed instruction to help students leaning less heavy on their actual mission. Though Michael Wilson, the principal of MCAA recently said that all kids are welcome at the school, not just LGTBQ youth, he also noted that “We are most likely one of the only schools in the nation to have the statement that we are LGBTQ affirming in our Mission Statement.” The use of the word affirming has traditionally been reserved for churches and therapists with one therapist defining affirming as an approach, “that embraces a positive view of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) identities and relationships and addresses the negative influences that homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism have on the lives of LGBTQ.” Both versions of the application, the original charter school application for the Magic City Acceptance center, and the amended application submitted in July of 2020 specifically state that it will be a, “LGBTQ-affirming learning environment” for sixth through twelfth grades or students ages 11-18. Going on to state that, “MCAA will provide a 6-12th grade school with curriculum and social programs that embrace the mission and vision of the school.” Their application also notes their intent to include LGBTQ materials into the learning environment of their school saying, “When polled, only one in five LGBTQ students reported that they were taught positivere/presentations (sic) of LGBTQ people, history, or events in their classes; and more than half (64.8 percent) of students reported that they did not have access to information about LGBTQ-related topics in their school library, through the internet on school computers, or in their textbooks or other assigned readings.” Alabama law specifically states that public charter schools must accept all students who apply and cannot discriminate for enrollment in the school. Wilson goes on to describe the school’s mission, stating, “We believe in integrating social and restorative justice themes and values in everything we do.” The new vote came after MCAA requested the rehearing in an Oct. 8 letter to the commission, arguing that the commission hadn’t provided adequate reason behind their denial at the September meeting. Nash Campbell, the attorney for MCAA, presented their reasoning at a virtual meeting. After a brief executive meeting, the commission agreed to grant the rehearing immediately. Principal Wilson made a short presentation, emphasizing the trauma-informed approach the school would use. After a vote, seven of the nine commissioners present voted yes. Commissioner Marla Green again voted no, and Commissioner Paul Morin abstained from voting. Commissioner Dick Brewbaker was not at the meeting.
Politicos, Alabamians wish Robert Bentley would just ‘go away’
In April 2017, former Gov. Robert Bentley resigned amid a growing scandal — allegations he used state resources to cover up an affair he was having with one of his former aides. Now, over a year later the “Luv Gov” has resurfaced on social media leaving many politicos speculating whether or not he’s prepping to for another run at public office. Despite being one of the most red states in the nation, Alabamians alike — from politicians to residents — seem to all share one thought: they wish Bentley would just go away. “I hope that if Dr. Bentley truly cares for Alabama, as he says he does, he would consider letting us go,” said Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan told Yellowhammer News last week. when asked what she thought about a possible Bentley U.S. Senate run in 2020. She’s not the only politician hoping Bentley would go away. Outgoing Montgomery State Sen. Dick Brewbaker also tweeted his disapproval. “Oh for heavens sake, I’ll go away if you will,” Brewbaker tweeted in response to Bentley earlier this month. Oh for heavens sake, I’ll go away if you will. — Dick Brewbaker (@dick_brewbaker) August 5, 2018 In fact, Brewbaker grew so tired of Bentley, he dediced to block him altogether. “I usually only block people who feel the need to use gratuitous profanity. I confess that I blocked @GovRBentley today. While not profane the account began to strike me as somehow obscene,” he tweeted Sunday. I usually only block people who feel the need to use gratuitous profanity. I confess that I blocked @GovRBentley today. While not profane the account began to strike me as somehow obscene. — Dick Brewbaker (@dick_brewbaker) August 19, 2018 But politicians aren’t the only ones weighing in. Bentley’s Twitter feed is filled with comments on tweets from Alabamians from across the state expressing their disapproval. Michelle Garver from Alabama: You’re a disgrace. Please go away. You’re a disgrace. Please go away. — Michelle Garver ❄️™ (@mgarver10) August 20, 2018 Eric Hulsey from Hazel Green, Ala.: You inspired me! After your resignation from office I realized that the head of all three branches of state government had been removed from office. Therefore I started a modest political movement, Make Alabama not Suck Anymore. You staying out of all politics would help. #MAnSA You inspired me! After your resignation from office I realized that the head of all three branches of state government had been removed from office. Therefore I started a modest political movement, Make Alabama not Suck Anymore. You staying out of all politics would help. #MAnSA — Eric Hulsey (@hulsey_eric) August 19, 2018 Unnamed twitter user Alt Trite from Birmingham, Ala.: On a Sunday. Lord have mercy. Go away. Repent. On a Sunday. Lord have mercy. Go away. Repent. — Alt Trite (@alt_trite) August 19, 2018 Katherine from Mobile, Ala.: Let me join the chorus of “GO AWAY”. You’ve embarrassed us ENOUGH! Go get @RoyMooreSenator & ride off into the sunset together. Good riddance. Let me join the chorus of “GO AWAY”. You’ve embarrassed us ENOUGH! Go get @RoyMooreSenator & ride off into the sunset together. Good riddance. — Katherine (@beckiluk) August 19, 2018
Bill signing ceremony celebrates new guardianship law to assist those with disabilities
In February, the State of Alabama launched Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts, a new financial savings tool for individuals with disabilities. The Enable Savings Plan is a financial program that allows individuals with disabilities to open tax-exempt savings accounts to save for disability-related expenses without impacting resource-based benefits. The program permits individuals with disabilities to save more than a total of $2,000 in assets (cash, savings, etc.) in their name in an Enable account without jeopardizing their public benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In March, Moulton-Republican State Rep. Ken Johnson and Montgomery-Republican State Sen. Dick Brewbaker, introduced legislation to assist those eligible for an account by granting their guardians full financial capabilities when opening and managing an ABLE account. The bill ultimately passed both chambers and moved to Gov. Kay Ivey‘s desk for a signature. On Thursday, the State celebrated the new guardianship assistance law with a ceremonial bill signing at the state capitol in Montgomery, Ala. “Alabama’s recent guardianship decision will serve to benefit many individuals and their families throughout the state, providing greater access to an important resource, the Enable Program. Giving guardians this power simplifies matters for individuals with disabilities by allowing guardians to open, invest in, and manage an Enable account,” said Alabama Treasurer Young Boozer, who attended the ceremonial bill signing.
Bill to appoint county school superintendents to be considered by State House
Alabamians may soon lose their say in county school superintendents, as a bill in the state legislature takes the power away from voters and puts it into the hands of local boards of education. Sponsored by Montgomery-Republican state Sen. Dick Brewbaker, SB280 would require all county superintendents to be appointed by the county board of education rather than elected by local residents. Currently, 37 — Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Cleburne, Colbert, Conecuh, Coosa, DeKalb, Dale, Elmore, Fayette, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Pickens, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Tallapoosa, Walker, Washington, and Winston — of the state’s 137 superintendents are elected. Eagle Forum of Alabama has come out in opposition to the bill. “This legislation will have two horrible impacts on local education. First SB280 will force over fifty percent of the Alabama counties to stop holding free elections,” the group said online. “Counties that hold elections for County Superintendent of Education will be forced to have the local board of education handpick the County Superintendent. SB280 removes current rights from local education leaders and parents who live in the county.” Despite the opposition, Brewbaker’s legislation isn’t coming from out of left field. Aside from Alabama, only Mississippi and Florida allow school superintendents to be elected. The Senate passed the legislation on March 3. The bill is on the proposed special order calendar in the State House for Tuesday.
