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FROM STAFF REPORTS

PELHAM – State Rep. Kenneth Paschal has officially announced his campaign for reelection to the Alabama House of Representatives, seeking a second full term to continue representing District 73, which includes portions of Alabaster, Helena, Montevallo and Pelham.

A Republican, Army veteran and vocal supporter of traditional conservative values, Paschal said his campaign remains rooted in the motto that has defined his public service: “God and Country.”

“I ran to serve—not to make promises, but to uphold the Constitution and defend the rights and values of the people of Alabama,” Paschal said in a statement. “With your continued support, I will keep fighting for God, country and the families of District 73.”

Paschal made history in 2021 when he became the first Black Republican elected to the Alabama Legislature in nearly 140 years, winning a special election before securing a full term in 2022. Since entering office, he has advocated for limited government, individual liberty and strengthening Alabama families.

Looking toward a second term, Paschal said he plans to focus on the following legislative priorities:

-Tax relief for working families

– Public safety enhancements across local communities

– Educational and parental choice to empower families

– Economic development and job creation throughout Shelby County and the state

– Protecting family values and parental rights, a central pillar of his platform

Paschal was recently awarded the “Defender of Freedom” Award by the Alabama Republican Party, recognizing his consistent support for conservative policies and his leadership in the statehouse.

His reelection announcement also highlighted several infrastructure investments made during his time in office:

-The $300 million I-65 widening project, extending from Alabaster to Calera, currently underway

-$41.8 million for widening Highway 261 in Pelham

-A $41.7 million federal grant for the Highway 52 flyover in Pelham, the largest railroad crossing grant in the nation, aimed at improving safety, reducing traffic delays and bolstering emergency response

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of District 73,” Paschal said. “From protecting families from government overreach and empowering parents, to securing major investments in infrastructure and public safety, I remain committed to building a stronger future for our district and our state.”

A 21-year U.S. Army veteran, Paschal retired in 2006 and returned to Alabama, where he has remained active in civic life. He is a former post commander of the American Legion, a member of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee and serves on the Shelby County Republican Executive Committee.

“Alabama needs leaders who don’t just talk about values—they live them, fight for them, and deliver real results,” Paschal said. “I’m running to keep doing just that.”