Kaycee Cavender used her appearance on the Heart of Dixie Podcast with Brandon Moseley and Harry Still to sharpen the message of a campaign rooted in health freedom, parental rights, and returning political power to rural Alabama. Her comments reflected the same grassroots energy that first propelled her into statewide activism and now fuels her run for House District 40.
Cavender, a small‑business owner, homeschooling mother of four, and longtime health‑freedom activist, joined Brandon Moseley and Harry Still III on the Heart of Dixie Podcast to discuss her campaign for the Alabama House of Representatives in District 40. The conversation offered one of her most detailed public explanations of why she entered the race and what she hopes to change in Montgomery.
From Health Freedom Activist to Candidate
Cavender explained that her political journey began during the COVID‑19 era, when she co‑founded Health Freedom Alabama, a grassroots organization opposing vaccine mandates and pushing for greater transparency in state health policy. Her activism included organizing citizens, testifying before lawmakers, and pressing for accountability in how state agencies exercised emergency powers.
That experience, she said, convinced her that ordinary families needed stronger representation in Montgomery-leaders who would "stand up when it's hard, not just when it's convenient."
A Campaign Built on Three Core Promises
Throughout the interview, Cavender returned repeatedly to the three pillars of her campaign, which she has emphasized since launching her candidacy:
1. Cutting Taxes and Ending Wasteful Spending
Cavender argued that families and small businesses in Cleburne and Calhoun counties are overburdened by taxes while receiving too little in return. She pledged to push for lower taxes and tighter oversight of state spending, saying Montgomery must "stop treating rural Alabama like an afterthought."
2. Protecting Conservative Values and Parental Rights
A homeschooling parent herself, Cavender stressed the importance of educational freedom, religious liberty, and shielding children from political agendas in the classroom. She framed parental rights as "non‑negotiable" and said the state must empower families-not bureaucracies-to make decisions about education and healthcare.
3. Returning Local Dollars to Local Communities
Cavender argued that District 40 sends millions in tax revenue to Montgomery but sees too little reinvested in infrastructure, rural development, and essential services. She promised to fight for a fairer share of state funding, saying rural communities "deserve the same respect and resources as Alabama's big cities."
Deep Roots and Local Commitment
Cavender highlighted her background as a sixth‑generation Cleburne County resident, a business owner, and a community volunteer. She and her husband operate several small businesses, and she teaches women's Bible study at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Her work on the Alabama State Board of Midwifery, appointed by the governor, gave her firsthand experience navigating state regulations and advocating for rural maternal care.
These experiences, she said, shaped her belief that state government must be more responsive to local needs-especially in rural healthcare, small‑business development, and youth programs.
A Contrast With the Incumbent
While Cavender avoided personal attacks, she drew a clear contrast with incumbent Rep. Chad Robertson, arguing that District 40 needs a representative who will be "more aggressive in defending freedoms and pushing back on government overreach." Robertson, who is seeking reelection, has emphasized his work on grocery‑tax reductions and senior tax relief.
Cavender countered that the district needs a stronger voice on issues like medical autonomy, parental rights, and rural investment.
A Grassroots, People‑First Campaign
Cavender told Moseley and Still that she intends to run a door‑to‑door, community‑driven campaign, relying on volunteers, church networks, and local families rather than political consultants. She said voters are tired of polished talking points and want leaders who "live the same life they do."
Her message on the podcast was clear: District 40 deserves a fighter who understands rural Alabama, shares its values, and isn't afraid to challenge the status quo.
Reader Comments(0)