VOTE NOVEMBER 3rd, 2026

Q. Do you think it is possible to work with and be friends with people who belong to a different political party? 

I absolutely think it is possible; in fact, I think most of us should be friends with people from different political parties. I have many close friends who are Republican. I do know that is not the norm, especially since we are currently so polarized and rarely interact with people who don’t think like us. But one thing I have learned from my experience as a mental health professional is that when your support groups, friends, and neighbors are diverse and think differently, you are absolutely healthier and happier. 

When we only spend time with people who are just like us, we can easily fall into an echo chamber and never consider the motivations, belief systems, or experiences of others in the world. I find it so important to remember that people on both sides of the aisle often plant seeds that allow everyone to learn new things, connect with each other, and grow as individuals and as a community. 

When I worked on Mike Ball’s campaign, we belonged to different parties, but what was more important was that he was my friend and neighbor. We worked well together, made good change, and had a ton of fun on his first campaign—and we are still great friends and neighbors today! I look forward to carrying that spirit with me into office, working across the aisle, and creating positive change together with my Republican colleagues. 

Q. Do you have any advice for choosing which candidate to vote for?

I think it is incredibly important to look at both of the candidates carefully. Do thorough research, be mindful of the policies they espouse, and pick who you truly believe in. I do not advocate for mindless straight-party voting, as I believe we make better decisions as individuals and as a collective for our community when we are deeply informed and make free, conscious choices. 

Q. Can you explain why you are running as a Democrat? 

I am running as a Democrat because I truly believe we are the party of the people. We historically and currently prioritize working for the downtrodden and the oppressed. 

I find this quote from Bryan Stevenson also helps answer this question: “The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.” The Democratic Party is a passionate advocate for these groups, and I believe the best way I can serve these people is by running as a Democrat and upholding the policies of the Democratic Party. 

It is very important to me to care about those in the criminal justice system, as far too often they are either innocent or should not be punitively incarcerated. When it comes to petty crime and crimes committed by the mentally ill, we need to look a lot deeper at the primary causes of these issues and work to fix them from the root instead of just “putting a bandaid on a bullet hole.”  I also am very passionate about economic justice. If someone is working three jobs and making meager wages, that likely does not offer them the fulfillment and joy that they deserve—especially since they are the hardworking Americans keeping our country afloat. 

Unfortunately, I find that the Republican Party is increasingly the party of the elites; they might try to act like they prioritize the working class or the struggling American populace, but Democrats are the ones who actually do care (in both word and action) about fair wages, those with mental illnesses, and the many undue burdens on today’s families. 

I truly believe we can restore America as a beacon of opportunity and hope. I believe we can revitalize the American Dream and the ideals of true, authentic equality that our country was founded upon. I believe the Democratic Party far better exemplifies and upholds the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and I am very proud to be running as an Alabama Democrat.