Challenger Gerrick Wilkins criticizes incumbent Gary Palmer over his yes vote on compromise NDAA
Congressional District 6 challenger Gerrick Wilkins released a statement highly critical of incumbent Gary Palmer for voting in favor of the conference version of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The 3,000-page final version of the NDAA sets defense spending at $886 billion for fiscal year 2024 and establishes defense policy for the United States. Wilkins stated that the version of the NDAA that passed the House of Representatives on Thursday incorporates provisions that run counter to conservative values. He pointed out that Congressman Palmer’s support for the NDAA, which included funding for abortion, is a stark departure from the principles upheld by many conservatives. Wilkins firmly believes that taxpayer dollars should not be allocated to procedures that contradict the deeply held beliefs of a significant portion of the electorate. Wilkins also criticized Palmer’s vote in the bill for a short-term reauthorization of FISA Section 702 surveillance provision. The Section 702 reauthorization will be reconsidered in April. Wilkins claimed that this raises concerns about potential infringements on the privacy rights of American citizens. He advocates for robust safeguards to protect individual liberties and questions Palmer’s judgment in supporting legislation that may compromise privacy rights. According to Wilkins, the NDAA also contains provisions indirectly endorsing activities such as drag shows, a stance that he claims stands at odds with traditional conservative values. Wilkins expressed his view that legislation should prioritize aligning with the values and morals of the constituents they represent. “I commend Senator (Tommy) Tuberville and Congressman Barry Moore for their principled stance in resisting the pressure to pass this massive and controversial bill without thorough scrutiny,” said Wilkins, expressing gratitude for those who stand up for the Constitution and freedom. Wilkins emphasized what he describes as stark differences in values and priorities between himself and Congressman Palmer. If elected, Wilkins says he is committed to being a voice for conservative ideals, advocating for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and the protection of individual liberties. The House passed a Republican led version of the NDAA in July. That bill was rejected by the White House and the Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate, sparking a five-month delay in passing the final legislation, which was supposed to go into effect on October 1. Speaking to the his vote on the final bill Tuberville said, “I voted for this year’s defense bill for two reasons: because it’s good for Alabama and it’s good for our national security.” Tuberville went on to say, “This bill could have been a lot stronger, but Chuck Schumer rigged the negotiation process to prevent conservatives from getting key wins on issues like taxpayer-funded abortion and DEI. We didn’t get everything we wanted this time, but we got a lot. And my fellow conservatives in Alabama and across America can be sure that I’m determined to get the rest of it in next year’s bill.” “Despite our many policy wins, the reality of a divided government means that Republicans did not get everything we wanted,” Robert Aderholt explained in his statement on the passage of the bill. “I am deeply disappointed that Senate Democrats were able to strip out of a House-passed provision that would overturn President Biden’s unconstitutional policy of reimbursing servicemembers’ abortion travel costs. However, we were able to take an axe to the leftist, woke agenda that Democrats have been forcing on our military. We have put a hiring freeze for social justice warriors in the DoD, prohibited the use of federal funds to promote critical race theory, and undone the injustice done to our service members who were wrongfully punished for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.” Congressman Barry Moore was the only member of the Alabama delegation to vote against the conference committee version of the NDAA. “This version of the NDAA forces American taxpayers to fund abortion travel, sex reassignment surgeries, a one-year reauthorization of FISA with no reforms, which allows weaponized government to spy on Americans, and critical race theory initiatives teaching that our nation’s enemies are not abroad, but within our own citizens and military,” said Moore said in a statement. “Earlier this year, I proudly supported the House version of this legislation, which was truly focused on military readiness and service member needs. I am disappointed that divisive policies which hold service members and taxpayers hostage to the Democrats’ radical agenda have been included in this bill, and I cannot support it.” The bipartisan version of the NDAA passed the House in a 310 to 118 vote. Forty-five Democrats and 73 Republicans voted against the final version of the NDAA. It passed the Senate on Wednesday and is now on the President’s desk. He is expected to sign it. Gerrick Wilkins is a businessman with over 24 years in the automotive industry. He is also a husband and father. He has a bachelor’s degree from Pensacola Christian College as well as a degree in theology from Liberty University and a master’s in business administration from Samford University. Wilkins has experience managing large-scale automobile dealerships and helping other community-based dealers grow. Wilkins, Palmer, and insurance agent Ken McFeeters are all running for Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District in the Republican primary on March 5. The eventual Republican nominee will then face Democrat Elizabeth Anderson in the November 5, 2024 general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Candidate Gerrick Wilkins announces border security plan
On Wednesday, Congressional candidate Gerrick Wilkins announced his “America First Border Security Plan.” Wilkins said that his plan focuses on robust border security, adherence to the rule of law, and the safety of American citizens to solve the pressing crisis at our southern border. “As the crisis at our border escalates into a dire national security risk, it’s imperative for Congress to act decisively,” Wilkins said. “Our ‘America First Border Security Plan’ is a call to action, not just a policy proposal.” The key pillars of the plan are: · Constructing a formidable physical barrier along the entire southern border. Wilkins said this initiative is aimed at deterring illegal entry and symbolizes national resolve. · Significant funding increases for ICE and CBP by reallocating funds from the IRS expansion and Ukraine’s security. · Mobilizing the National Guard to bolster border security. Wilkins seeks the support of the US military to assist Mexico in eradicating drug cartels, highlighting the shared challenges in border security. · Enhanced collaboration with border states to strengthen security programs. · Deploying advanced technology such as drones, satellites, and surveillance tools for border monitoring and security. · Funding to streamline legal processes for asylum, deportation, and enforcement actions by empowering local law enforcement. · Reinstating President Donald Trump’s “Stay in Mexico” policy. · Ending Biden’s catch-and-release program · Stricter regulations and severe penalties for human traffickers · Expanding background checks for all individuals entering the country. · Imposing substantial penalties for visa overstays · Holding foreign governments accountable for facilitating or ignoring illegal immigration into the United States. · Companies will be mandated to verify the immigration status of their employees. · Immigration reforms shifting from family-based to merit-based immigration that aligns with national needs. · Reforming the refugee system to focus on low-risk individuals. · Increased costs of visas, background checks, and the naturalization process, as well as for international money transfers. These adjustments are designed to generate additional revenue to support the funding of enhanced border security measures. 2.76 million illegal immigrants crossed the southern border in fiscal year 2022 alone – that is equal to 55.1% of the population of the state of Alabama. That was followed by a record-breaking 3.2 million in fiscal year 2023 – equivalent to 64.5% of the population of the state of Alabama. The open border is also contributing to the deadly fentanyl epidemic, which is killing 107,000 Americans a year. 69.5% of the deaths are males. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45. Wilkins is involved in his local church, serving as a deacon and lay leader, engaging in mission work locally and globally, and working with Gideons International. Wilkins says that he is a Christian who loves the Lord. Gerrick also serves on several local advisory boards, including one for Mission Increase and Samford University’s Brock School of Business. Wilkins and his wife of 24 years, Carol, have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to churches, various charities, mission organizations, and educational programs. They have one daughter. They have lived in Alabama since 2006 and in Vestavia Hills since 2014. Wilkins has a bachelor’s degree from Pensacola Christian College. He also has a degree in theology from Liberty University and a master’s in business administration from Samford University. Wilkins has worked for over 24 years in the automotive industry. His experience includes managing large-scale dealerships and helping other community-based dealers grow. While managing car dealerships in Alabama, he has learned firsthand the constant heartaches small businesses must contend with from overregulation and excessive taxes. Wilkins is running against incumbent Gary Palmer (R-AL06) and insurance agent Ken McFeeters in the Republican primary on March 5. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democrat Elizabeth Anderson in the November 5 general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Congressional candidate Ken McFeeters opposes proposed ADPH COVID rule
On Wednesday, Republican Congressional candidate Ken McFeeters announced his opposition to a proposed Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) new rule requiring all the healthcare providers in the state to report every positive COVID-19 test in their office to ADPH. The proposed new rule would reportedly even require the doctors to report every suspected COVID-19 case that comes into the office to state authorities. McFeeters condemned the proposed change in COVID-19 reporting requirements. McFeeters is running for the GOP nomination for Congressional District 6. The proposed rule changes would require all positive tests for COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 to be reported to the County or State Health Department within 24 hours. ADPH released the proposed changes on November 20, 2023. The new rules would put positive COVID test results in the same category as Rabies, Polio, Tuberculosis, and Legionairre’s disease. “This is just another example of the idiotic policies of ADPH and Dr. Scott Harris, our State Health Officer,” McFeeters said in a statement. “Dr. Harris got everything wrong during the COVID pandemic, and now he wants more power over us? To demand that every positive COVID test be reported to the Health Department within a day is ridiculous.” McFeeters is concerned that the new rule further infringes on Americans’ privacy rights. “The COVID tests are notoriously unreliable,” McFeeters continued. “The number of false positives they give is too high. A positive test in a person with no symptoms doesn’t merit an urgent call to ADPH to give them your age, sex, address, ethnicity, phone number, and birthday.” McFeeters told Alabama Today that the economy never should have shut down in 2020 over COVID. He is also skeptical of the vaccine’s effectiveness and believes that the suspected side effects outweigh the benefits of mass vaccination. “COVID isn’t rabies. It’s not TB. Yes, it’s dangerous for the old and sick, but for most of us, it’s just a cold,” McFeeters continued. “Dr. Harris and ADPH have been either clueless or complicit throughout the COVID pandemic. Scott Harris has been a good little drone, carrying out the orders of Drs. [Anthony] Fauci and [Rochelle] Walensky, pushing lockdowns, mandates, and treatment protocols that left thousands dead. At the same time, he’s touted the Big Pharma party line and worked to marginalize courageous doctors who were treating sick people and saving lives.” McFeeters continued, “We don’t need this hysteric, intrusive level of reporting for COVID tests. What we do need is accountability for Dr. Harris and ADPH for the tens of thousands of Alabamians killed or injured by their COVID mismanagement, their deadly “treatments,” and the toxic jabs they forced on us.” A public hearing on the proposed reporting changes will be held on December 13, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., at the Alabama Department of Public Health, RSA Tower, Training Room 982, 201 Monroe Street in Montgomery. Ken McFeeters co-founded PAC Insurance Agency at age 21, and has worked there for the last 42 years. McFeeters is a father and grandfather. McFeeters said in his statement that he is running for Congress to disrupt Washington’s toxic culture of deceit and corruption and protect everyday Americans. McFeeters will face incumbent Congressman Gary Palmer and businessman Gerrick Wilkins in the Alabama Republican primary on March 5. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic nominee Elizabeth Anderson in the November 5 general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gerrick Wilkins survives attempted candidate challenge
The Alabama Republican Party candidates committee met on Sunday to hear challenges to candidates on the GOP ballot. Sources say that there was a challenge brought against the candidacy of Gerrick Wilkins. Wilkins is running for Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District. Wilkins has been charged with making a contribution to the Libertarian party. A search of the Federal Elections Commission website revealed that Wilkins had donated $250 to the Libertarian National Committee on September 5, 2022. Most of Wilkins’ contributions are to Republican candidates and causes. Wilkins has made numerous political contributions over the years, including to the Alabama Republican Party, Donald Trump for President in 2024, Tim Scott for President, Ron DeSantis for President, John McCain for President in 2008, Fred Thompson for President, and the Republican Party of Florida. The Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee made a bylaws change in 2022 to forbid a person who donates to Democratic, independent, and third-party candidates from running as a Republican. Wilkins’s contribution to the Libertarian Party was after this prohibition was placed on supporting non-Republican campaigns. People who have donated to non-Republican campaigns and groups are barred from running for office as a Republican for five years. Sources close to the ALGOP told Alabama Today that the candidate’s committee would meet in Birmingham on Sunday to hear the challenge against Wilkins. The committee reportedly voted 9 to 8 not to formally challenge Wilkins’ eligibility to run as a Republican. Election challenges will be heard on December 10. The Wilkins campaign dismissed the allegations, saying that he has far more donations to Republican candidates than he did to Libertarians. A source close to ALGOP told Alabama Today that the bylaw prevents potential candidates from donating to non-Republican candidates. Wilkins did not do that. He actually donated to the Libertarian Party. That is not forbidden in the new bylaws change. The ALGOP candidates committee is the 21-member Alabama Republican Party Steering Committee. Wilkins’ victory in the closed-door GOP meeting in Hoover means he can remain on the ballot. Wilkins, a car dealer, will face incumbent Congressman Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) and independent insurance agent Ken McFeeters in the March 5 Republican Primary. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democrat Elizabeth Anderson in the November 5 general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gerrick Wilkins announces congressional bid
Last week, businessman Gerrick Wilkins announced he is running for Congress representing Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District. Wilkins is challenging incumbent Congressman Gary Palmer in the Republican primary. “It is with deep humility and responsibility that I enter the race for Alabama’s 6th District,” said Wilkins. “In 1964, Ronald Reagan said that our nation had reached a time of choosing; if that was true, then it is especially true today. Daily, we see the dysfunction in Washington, D.C., where career politicians have made the halls of Congress a lobbyist’s paradise. This must end. That is why I am supporting term limits for Congress and will work tirelessly to see that is enacted. Only with term limits will we be able to drain the swamp. Wilkins pledged if elected, he would be a true conservative and bring Alabama solutions and values to the U.S. House. “America is at a crossroads, and a strong conservative vision is needed to change the nation’s current trajectory and that he will be able to bring that vision to the House,” Wilkins said in a statement. Wilkins says that he is running as a strong fiscal conservative and supports a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. Wilkins claimed that for too many, including Palmer, serving in Congress has become a way to make money and gain influence, not the citizen politician that the founding fathers envisioned and President Ronald Reagan advocated. Wilkins says he supports abolishing the federal Department of Education and returning its duties to the states and local communities, where education belongs. He also pledged to fight against “the woke indoctrination” and to be a staunch advocate for parental rights and school choice. “Education is supposed to unlock the potential of every child and put them on the path for a great future,” Wilkins said. “Sadly, our education system has become an indoctrination center for the far left and its woke agenda. That is why we must abolish the federal Department of Education, return education to the states and local communities, and allow parental choice in education decisions.” “Economically, the failed policies of Joe Biden and career politicians are bankrupting our nation and future,” Wilkins said. “This must end. That is why I am supporting a Balanced Budget Amendment. If families must balance their budget, so must the federal government.” Wilkins vowed to combat the leftist, woke agenda attacking our religious freedoms and trying to break down our families. “Together, we can bring commonsense Alabama values and solutions to Congress,” concluded Wilkins. “I pledge in Congress to be the representative of the 6th District and not D.C. insiders.” Wilkins is involved in his local church, serving as a deacon and lay leader, engaging in mission work locally and globally, and working with Gideons International. Wilkins says that he is a Christian who loves the Lord. Over the years, he has committed significant time and personal resources to missions and philanthropic work locally to help his community in Alabama and worldwide. Gerrick also serves on several local advisory boards, including one for Mission Increase and Samford University’s Brock School of Business. Wilkins and his wife, Carol, have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to churches, various charities, mission organizations, and educational programs. Wilkins and Carol have been married for 24 years. They have one daughter, Hanna. They have lived in Alabama since 2006 and in Vestavia Hills since 2014. Wilkins has a bachelor’s degree from Pensacola Christian College. He also has a degree in theology from Liberty University and a master’s in business administration from Samford University. Wilkins has worked for over 24 years in the automotive industry. His experience includes managing large-scale dealerships and helping other community-based dealers grow. While managing car dealerships in Alabama, he has learned firsthand the constant heartaches small businesses must contend with from overregulation and excessive taxes. Ken McFeeters is also challenging Palmer in CD6. Palmer has served the people of Alabama in Congress for five terms. The primary will be on March 5. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
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.
