Republican Candidates for US House District 4

Overview of the Upcoming Election

Residents of U.S. Congressional District 4 will have the opportunity to cast their votes on May 19 to choose their representative. The ballot features two Republican candidates: Robert Aderholt and Tommy Barnes. Both candidates were interviewed, and their responses provide insight into their backgrounds, goals, and reasons for seeking the position.

Candidate Profiles

Tommy Barnes

Tommy Barnes is a graduate of Sheffield High School and holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alabama. His professional experience spans consulting engineering, industrial engineering, and development within the aluminum industry, as well as environmental engineering. He served as the Manager of Sheffield Utilities for 19 years, overseeing the Water/Wastewater and Natural Gas Division.

Barnes is a Grade 4 Water Operator with extensive knowledge in managing unregulated contaminants. He is currently the President of ATVG and serves on legislative committees at both the federal and state levels. His broad experience in public service has made him an effective problem solver, which he argues is an advantage over career politicians.

He is married to Alicia Barnes, an environmental engineer at Essity in Colbert County. The couple has five children and six grandchildren. Barnes has a strong background in sports, having been part of Sheffield’s State Championship baseball team. He is also an elder at Old Brick Presbyterian Church and has been a Colbert County Commissioner since his election in 2016.

Robert Aderholt

Aderholt did not provide a detailed biography during the interview. However, he emphasized his commitment to public service and his focus on delivering results for the people of North Alabama. He described his role in Congress as being a strong conservative voice for the district while addressing the everyday needs of families, farmers, veterans, seniors, and small business owners.

Aderholt highlighted the importance of seniority in Congress, noting that he was able to secure over $56 million in federal funding for infrastructure, healthcare, and education projects in the district this year. He believes that his experience and leadership positions allow him to bring critical resources back to the district.

Key Priorities and Goals

Aderholt's Focus

Aderholt aims to continue advocating for conservative values that are important to the residents of Alabama’s Fourth District. His priorities include strengthening the economy, protecting taxpayers, supporting law enforcement and the military, securing the border, and defending the freedoms and values that matter to Alabama families.

He also plans to use his seniority and committee positions to advocate for North Alabama, focusing on improving roads, bridges, healthcare access, schools, and rural development projects.

Barnes' Vision

Barnes has outlined several key goals if elected. These include implementing term limits for Congress (three terms in the House and two in the Senate), pushing for election reform, and working to lower insurance costs, inflation, and energy prices through responsible budget management and waste reduction.

He also aims to address drinking water quality issues, such as PFAS and disinfection byproducts. Additionally, he has proposed expanding highways from Franklin County to Tuscaloosa and enhancing cell service and internet access in the district.

Why Voters Should Choose Each Candidate

Aderholt's Argument

Aderholt believes he is the best choice due to his proven record of conservative leadership, experience, and results. His seniority and membership on the House Appropriations Committee give Alabama’s Fourth District a strong voice in Washington, ensuring that the district’s needs are addressed when major funding and policy decisions are made.

Barnes' Perspective

Barnes argues that his grassroots experience across various sectors makes him a better fit for the role. He points to the need for change after nearly 30 years of the same congressman, citing rising inflation and wasteful spending as key concerns.

He emphasizes his ability to engage with elected officials and the public to improve education and create better job opportunities. Barnes also highlights his availability and commitment to the district, stating that he is a proven professional who prioritizes improvement over personal gain.

He criticizes the incumbent for lacking knowledge about critical issues such as RR Blocking Crossings, rural healthcare, permitting improvements, inflation, and Social Security benefits. Barnes believes that his understanding of the district and his dedication to unity can bring positive change to Washington.