Representative Phillip Pettus of Killen, Alabama, has prefiled a bill for the upcoming legislative session that would limit political parties’ ability to reject candidates based on their acceptance of donations from specific groups. The bill, known as HB 6, aims to prevent parties from disqualifying candidates solely on the basis of the contributions they receive.
The legislation was inspired by a rule adopted by the Alabama Republican Party in 2023, which prohibits GOP candidates for superintendent or school board from accepting campaign contributions from the Alabama Education Association. Representative Pettus believes that constituents, not political parties, should have the final say in determining where candidates receive funding.
While Pettus had previously introduced a similar bill during the 2024 session, it did not pass the House committee. John Wahl, chair of the Alabama Republican Party, opposes the bill, citing the party’s authority over ballot access.
On the other hand, Randy Kelley, chair of the Alabama Democratic Party, explained that their party also has rules regarding candidate contributions. However, Kelley stated that he is indifferent to candidates receiving funding from individuals or groups that support both Republicans and Democrats.
Pettus himself has accepted campaign contributions from the Alabama Education Association in the past. The group initially supported his opponent but later decided to back Pettus after he agreed to hear their concerns without any obligation to vote in a certain way.
Campaign finance records show that Pettus has received over $56,500 in direct contributions and $5,000 in in-kind donations from the AEA’s political action committee. The bill aims to ensure that candidates are not unfairly judged or disqualified based on their financial support from various organizations.
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