Mo Brooks Reverses Course: Former Congressman to Challenge James Lomax for Alabama House District 20
- Christopher M Peeks
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 23
By Christopher M Peeks January 23, 2026
In a stunning turn of events, former Fifth District Congressman
Mo Brooks sent shockwaves through political pundits across Alabama today. After issuing an official statement last week asserting he would not be a candidate for office in 2026, he reversed course earlier, and announced he will challenge incumbent James Lomax—who was first elected in 2022—in next spring’s GOP Primary for the legislative seat Brooks previously held from 1982 to 1998
In a press release issued earlier, the Congressman proclaimed:
“During the Christmas holiday season and thereafter, five elected officials, Stan McDonald, and others, have urged me to come out of retirement and fight for our state and its citizens again by running for the legislature in a House district where voters preferred me over Katie Britt and in which I have averaged roughly 70% of the vote in 18 separate elections.
As of December 31, my opponent had roughly $100,000 in the bank.
So I required, as a precondition to my candidacy, that the folks urging me to get back on the political battlefield raise $100,000—none from Special Interest PACs, and all from Alabama citizens—to ensure I had the minimally competitive resources needed to get our message out and win an election campaign.
I committed to them that, if they did that, I would run.
Quite frankly, I enjoy the family time retirement gives me. That family time enjoyment also encouraged me to set a very high bar that I really did not think these folks could clear in a very short period of time.
But, yesterday, to my utter surprise, they informed me they did it.
They raised $100,000, all from Alabama citizens who want me to return to public service, none of it coming from Special Interest PACs!
Amazing!
So I am keeping my word and will qualify today to run in Alabama House District 20.
I look forward to returning to the political battlefield and, once again, being a warrior for my family’s future and the state and people I love.”
The primary will be held next May 19th.
Comments