Retired 1st Sgt. Kenneth Paschal has announced his candidacy as a Republican for the vacant Alabama House of Representatives District 73 seat.
“After 21 years of service to my country and 11 years in service to my state,” he said, “I wish to extend my tour of duty as an elected official where I can best serve my community.”
Paschal has lived in Shelby County for 14 years. He is a father, a Christian and an active member of First Baptist Church of Pelham.
Paschal retired from the military with 11 awards and distinction including the Meritorious Service and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals.
More recently he has been the government affairs director and the president of the Alabama Family Rights Association. Over the last 11 years, he has worked with two governors, Alabama legislators and experts from around the country to formulate legislation impacting family law and the rights of parents to direct the upbringing of their children with minimal government interference.
As president of ALFRA, Paschal has organized events and campaigns, including Standing United for Progress Informational Forums, annual Bubbles of Love Campaign and Family Day.
As a veteran himself, Paschal works in his spare time to plan and host events for our military veterans.
Paschal is the past post commander for The American Legion Post 555 in Pelham, and in 2019 had the distinct honor of being appointed to the National American Legion Americanism Council. He is also a participating member in the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, as well as their Exchange Club, Children’s Policy Council and Drug-Free Coalition, all of which provide services and support to community members, families, children in need and veterans.
Paschal says his military and legislative experience along with statewide community leadership abilities will be instrumental in “navigating the turbulence we currently are experiencing in our government bodies.”
Paschal said that his priority is to ensure the unalienable rights of citizens.
“I have intrinsic knowledge of the legislative process, and have working relationships with most of our elected officials,” Paschal said. “I’m prepared to jump in and start doing the job you are electing me to do.”
HD73 became vacant when Republican Matt Friday joined the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.
The special election primary for this seat is to be held on March 30, 2021. If a party primary runoff is necessary, it will be on April 27. The special general election will be held on July 13, 2021.
House District 73 is in Shelby County and includes portions of Alabaster, Calera, Chelsea, Helena, Montevallo, Pelham and unincorporated Brantleyville.
