The Shelby County House delegation on Wednesday congratulated U.S. Army veteran Ken Paschal on his Republican primary runoff victory in the House District 73 legislative seat.
State Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Indian Springs, is the chairman of the Shelby County legislative delegation.
“Ken Paschal devoted decades to serving his country as a soldier in the U.S. Army, and with his victory in the HD73 Republican runoff election,” Mooney said. “I am confident he will build upon that impressive record of public service as a member of the Alabama Legislature.”
The House District 73 seat became vacant when incumbent state Rep. Matt Fridy, R-Montevallo, assumed a seat on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals in January. While Paschal is the Republican nominee, he still has to face Democrat Sheridan Black in the special general election on Tuesday, July 13.
Mooney said: “A committed conservative and devoted pro-life warrior, the members of the Shelby County legislative delegation and I join together in congratulating Ken on securing the Republican nomination, and we commit to providing any help he might need in winning the upcoming general election.”
If elected, Paschal would be first Black Republican elected to the Alabama Legislature as a Republican in more than 100 years. Former state Rep. Johnny Ford was elected as a Democrat but switched to the Republican Party in 2003.
Republican insider and former state Rep. Perry Hooper Jr. released a statement congratulating Paschal for his primary victory.
“Two outstanding conservatives were in a runoff for a vacant House Seat in Shelby County,” Hooper said. “A black Conservative Republican won. If ultimately elected, Kenneth would be the first Black candidate elected on the Republican ticket to the Alabama House of Representatives since the nineteenth century.”
Hooper added: “Republican voters identified with his four basic principles that the majority of all Alabamians share: Respect: U.S. Constitution, Military, Veterans, First responders, Healthcare workers, and each other. Economic Development: Fair share of funding for infrastructure and education Action: Limited government, low taxes, and individual responsibility Protect: Born and unborn children, seniors, and the rule of law, parental rights, and school of choice.”
“Helena City Councilwoman Leigh Hulsey is to be commended, as well, for running a clean and competitive campaign, and the margin of victory offers strong evidence that we had two outstanding candidates in the runoff,” Mooney said.
“We look forward to working with Kenneth Paschal as we move toward the general election,” Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said. “He will be a great addition to our Republican Caucus in the legislature, fighting for the issues that matter most to the people of Alabama. I hope that Leigh Hulsey will remain active in our party and continue to use her talents to further the Conservative movement as we stand for American values.”
Hooper predicted that Paschal “will join an ever-growing list of outstanding Black Conservative Republican office holders across the South. This list includes Senator Tim Scott of Carolina.” “Also on this list of young fire brand Black conservative Republican office holders is Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron.”
Kenneth Paschal served 21 years in the U.S. Army before retiring in 2006 and moving to Shelby County. Kenneth is a past commander of the American Legion and a member of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Paschal was recently unanimously selected to join the Shelby County Republican Executive Committee and has served as president of the Alabama Family Rights Association.
Paschal volunteers his time with several pro-family organizations including the Alabama Family Rights Association, where he advocates to protect families from excessive government interference and to protect children and families from abuse.
“Shelby County is one of the brightest red counties in all of Alabama, and we know that its residents will be proud to add Ken Paschal to the conservative voices that represent them in the committee rooms, corridors, and chamber of the Alabama House of Representatives,” Mooney said.
“I predict a great Republican future for soon-to-be State Representative Kenneth Pascal,” Hooper added.
