Incumbent state Representative James Lomax, R-Lomax, is drawing a sharper line against challenger Mo Brooks, framing the Republican primary as a test of competing tax records—and the consistency behind them.
In a press release issued on Tax Day, Lomax positioned the race as a clear contrast between his recent support for tax cuts and Brooks’ earlier legislative history.
“On Tax Day, the contrast couldn’t be clearer,” Lomax said. “I am proud to fight every single day to cut taxes and keep more money in the pockets of District 20 families. Mo Brooks has the opposite record; a long, documented history of voting YES to raise taxes over and over again.”
Lomax’s campaign points to more than $1.5 billion in tax reductions supported during his four years in office, including grocery tax cuts and income tax rebates.
APR reviewed the data in Lomax’s release and examined Brooks’ record from his 12 years in the Alabama House. The review identified more than 100 votes tied to tax increases, new fees or expanded revenue measures at both the state and local level.
Among the most significant were two votes in 1984 supporting constitutional amendments that raised both the state income tax and corporate tax rates from 5 to 6 percent—changes estimated to cost Alabama taxpayers more than $100 million.
That same year, Brooks also voted in favor of a gas tax increase projected to cost Alabamians approximately $43 million annually.
The record also includes support for a wide range of local tax measures, including increases in sales, property, lodging, tobacco and fuel taxes, as well as various permit fees and assessments affecting multiple industries.
“Mo Brooks didn’t just vote for one or two tax hikes, he voted for nearly every single one presented to him,” Lomax said. “Mo Brooks voted to raise income taxes, corporate taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, gas taxes, hotel taxes, tobacco taxes, privilege taxes, and more.”
The volume and scope of those votes are now emerging as a central point of contrast in the race, particularly given Brooks’ later political identity.
During his time in Congress, Brooks frequently emphasized opposition to tax increases and federal spending, a position that stands in tension with portions of his earlier state legislative record.
Brooks has not publicly responded to Lomax’s latest release.
