An unusual three-candidate contest for a North Alabama House seat is set for the general election next month, featuring an incumbent Republican against two independent challengers. The district, which includes parts of Colbert, Lawrence, and Morgan counties, has consistently voted Republican since 2010.
Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, a Republican from Trinity, is seeking his second term in the House. According to Yarbrough's website, he supports policies opposing abortion, aims to lower taxes, and advocates for “medical freedom.” During his tenure in the Legislature, Yarbrough has been noted on the right edge of the Republican caucus. In 2023, he sponsored a bill that would have allowed for the prosecution of pregnant women for having or attempting abortions. Additionally, Yarbrough has sponsored legislation intended to expand local law enforcement's ability to enforce immigration laws and to introduce school vouchers. Multiple messages seeking comment were left with Yarbrough last week, as stated in the source material. Through September 1, Yarbrough's campaign finance records show he raised $77,200 and spent $40,800.
Trent Ford, a freelance software and website designer, is running as an independent. Ford stated in an interview Thursday that he entered the race because he believed neither the current representative nor most of the Legislature was adequately prepared to set guidelines for data centers and artificial intelligence. He explained his decision to run as an independent by saying he dislikes “to be told by a national party what I have to say or what I have to do.” Ford's priorities include eliminating the grocery tax, implementing protections against artificial intelligence, and reducing power bills through the use of nuclear and solar energy. He noted that solar panels offer a very inexpensive way to generate energy and can be installed quickly. Ford also highlighted expanded nuclear power as a means to provide dependability when solar energy is not available, creating a more robust energy system. Ford said voters should choose him because his wide range of experiences allows him to identify with many people, having worked in both blue-collar and white-collar jobs. His campaign finance records, through September 1, indicate he raised $12,200 and spent $6,900.
Angelo Mancuso, a former Democratic member of the Alabama House of Representatives from 1998 to 2002, is also running as an independent. Mancuso had initially sought the Republican nomination for District 7 earlier this year but was removed by the Alabama Republican Party. In an interview Friday, Mancuso said he decided to run after local residents asked him to, discussing critical issues with his wife, who is from Courtland in Lawrence County. He characterized his removal from the Republican primary as a “setup” and accused the Republican Party of limiting voter options in the district. A message seeking comment was left with the Alabama Republican Party Friday, according to the source material. Mancuso's priorities include establishing a local trauma emergency room for Lawrence County, improving district schools, eliminating the grocery tax, and temporarily suspending the gas tax. Regarding the gas tax, Mancuso explained it would be a temporary suspension, not a permanent removal, acknowledging its role in funding roads and bridges. He added that a suspension would assist families who must travel due to the limited number of businesses in Lawrence and Colbert counties. Mancuso urged voters to choose him, emphasizing his vision, experience, and knowledge, and suggesting his life has prepared him for this moment. Through September 1, campaign finance records show Mancuso raised $2,000, loaned himself $138,700, and spent $119,900.