State Representative Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) – Statement on Special Session and Election Contingency Legislation

"I've received a number of questions regarding the Special Session and election contingency legislation, and I want to address them directly.

HB1 and SB1 are not about redrawing district lines or re-litigating maps currently before the courts. They are contingency measures designed to ensure Alabama can conduct fair, lawful, and orderly elections if ongoing federal litigation changes the legal status of the state's maps.

During this Special Session, some of my Democrat colleagues have had a lot to say about House Republicans being racist; they even called my "blackness" into question because I have an R next to my name instead of a D. At the same time, I am not invited to participate in the Black Caucus, which speaks to the selective nature of how identity is being applied in today's politics.

Let me be clear: my identity is not determined by a political party or anyone else's expectations. That kind of rhetoric reflects a growing problem in American politics, where disagreement is too often met with personal attacks instead of honest debate.

I am a Christian, a father, a U.S. Army veteran, and a proud Republican legislator serving House District 73. The people of my district elected me because they knew my values, my character, and my commitment to serving this community.

As a person of faith, I try to see others through the eyes God sees through. God does not see Black or white, Republican or Democrat; He sees His children, each deserving dignity, respect, and equal value. My prayer is that we would extend that same grace to one another in our public discourse. James 2:1–9 warns believers not to show favoritism or treat people differently based on appearance or status.

While I understand our nation's history, I reject the notion that any American should be defined by race or limited by identity-based expectations.

As we approach America's 250th anniversary, I am reminded of the Declaration of Independence, which declares that "all men are created equal" and endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Kenneth Paschal is a state Representative, retired U.S. Army veteran, and parental rights activist.

Opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Alabama Gazette staff or publishers.