Bradford Touts “Back to Basics” in State Board of Education Campaign

Veteran educator and Air Force veteran Cathi Bradford has announced her campaign for the Alabama State Board of Education, District 6, calling for a renewed focus on core academics, classroom instruction, and patriotism in Alabama schools.

Bradford, a longtime Cullman County educator and community leader, said her campaign will center on what she calls three guiding principles: “Back to Basics, Back to Education — Not Social Agendas, and Back to Instilling Patriotism in Every Classroom.” The district covers a broad region of north and northeast Alabama, including Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cullman, Etowah, Marshall, St. Clair, and Talladega Counties.

With more than 26 years of classroom experience — including 19 years teaching in Alabama — Bradford has taught history, English, and reading at the middle school level. She holds a master’s degree in teaching history and says her career has focused on building curiosity, discipline, and critical thinking in students.

Before entering the classroom, Bradford served 23 years in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves. During her military career she held roles including avionics technician, job control supervisor, and Air Force historian.

“My service taught me that excellence comes from discipline, teamwork, and respect for our nation’s values,” Bradford said. “Those same lessons belong in every classroom.”

Bradford said her experience as a teacher, veteran, and community volunteer has shaped her approach to education policy.

“As a teacher, veteran, and community leader, I’ve seen what works,” Bradford said. “Our children need schools that teach, inspire, and prepare them for life — not bureaucracies that confuse their mission. It’s time to get back to the basics of learning, back to focusing on education itself, and back to instilling pride in our state and our nation.”

Beyond the classroom, Bradford is active in several civic and political organizations. She currently serves as Chairman of the Hanceville Library Board, Secretary of the Hanceville Housing Authority Board, Treasurer of the Cullman County Republican Committee, and President of the Cullman County Republican Women. She was recently appointed District Director 4 East for the Alabama Federation of Republican Women.

Bradford has signed the Moms for Liberty Parents Pledge, and has been endorsed by the Alabama Republican Assembly.

Bradford will face incumbent Marie Manning in the 2026 primary election on May 19.

For more information, visit https://www.cathibradfordforstateboard.com.