Alabama Senate Hopeful Dr. Deas Calls for Healthcare Reform
Cardiac surgeon and Republican Senate candidate Dr. Dale Deas vows to tackle hospital consolidation, healthcare costs, transparency
Dr. Dale Shelton Deas Jr., a cardiac surgeon and Republican candidate in Alabama’s 2026 U.S. Senate race, is calling for major healthcare reforms and more transparency in how care is regulated and delivered.
Deas, the only physician on the Republican Senate ballot, shared his views in a recent episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, hosted by Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi. On the podcast, Deas highlighted troubling examples of federal “regulatory capture” that have prompted his calls for healthcare reform and accountability.
Dr. Deas emphasized how federal inaction and corporate consolidation hurt everyday Alabamians, driving up costs, restricting access to care, and shielding misconduct from public view. His campaign is built around rebuilding trust in government and creating a healthcare system that works for the people of Alabama, not for political insiders or hospital conglomerates. Deas has pledged to fight for patients and families over bureaucrats and corporate interests.
A federal whistleblower on medical malfeasance, Deas told Faulkner and Scapecchi that “the regulatory system (is) incredibly captured. I knew that I had to run for US Senate, because I have discovered the deepest and darkest capture of so many federal entities—there's more than five. There’s a ton of people, and they all work together, and it's real. And, if you have a certain story that affects one of these politicians or one of these regulatory people in a bad way, they'll do whatever it takes to hide you and gaslight you and push your stuff down the line, and schedule your stuff to where it's a year out…and I've hit every wall. When you hit 1000 walls and no gates, you know that you're captured.”
“My family’s faith and values shape my belief that real leadership puts people, not profits or politics, first,” Deas said in announcing his Senate bid. He has framed his campaign as a response to rising costs and limited access to care, especially where corporate consolidation has reduced competition.
Deas has drawn particular attention to the pending acquisition of Crestwood Medical Center by Huntsville Hospital Health System, a $450 million deal expected to close in the second quarter of 2026. Critics, including Deas, warn the consolidation could lessen competition in North Alabama’s healthcare market, even though proponents say it will improve resource coordination amid regional growth.
“Alabama families shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and accountability,” said Deas, stressing the need for a system that balances cost, choice, and patient protection.
As part of his platform, Deas plans to push for:
- Stronger antitrust enforcement to prevent monopolies and protect competition in healthcare markets.
- Legislation supporting whistleblowers and patient rights, aimed at exposing misconduct and improving transparency.
- Review of malpractice and liability laws to ensure they serve patients fairly in a changing healthcare landscape.
In addition to healthcare, Deas also advocates for broader reforms including tax relief measures and support for teachers.
Deas joins a crowded Republican primary field that includes Barry Moore, Steve Marshall, Jared Hudson, Morgan Murphy, Rodney Walker and Seth Burton.
For more information, follow Dr. Deas’ campaign on Facebook.
The Make It Make Sense, Alabama episode featuring Dr. Deas may be seen on Amazon Music, on YouTube, or below:
