Hanu Karlapalem Launches Campaign for Alabama House District 4

From the Karlapalem campaign

MADISON, Alabama - Hanu Karlapalem, the Democratic nominee for Alabama State House District 4, held a successful campaign kickoff on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Best Western Plus on Madison Boulevard in Madison. The event drew an enthusiastic group of supporters from across Limestone, Madison, and Morgan counties, and was streamed live on Facebook. The full recording of all speeches is available at: https://tinyurl.com/5bdcrrdy or on Facebook at THIS LINK.

In a highlight of the evening, Hanu issued a formal debate challenge to Republican incumbent Representative Parker Moore.

“I am formally challenging Representative Parker Moore to three debates — one in Limestone County, one in Madison County, and one in Morgan County. If he has time for ribbon cuttings, photo-ops, and gossip outlets, he has time to face the people he represents. Parker Moore — show up for District 4 once.

The ball is in your court.”

Moore, who has represented District 4 for eight years, has not responded to previous written correspondence from Hanu on key legislative issues including SB21.

SB21 and the Petition: Hanu announced that over 1,200 Alabamians have signed his petition opposing SB21 — a proposed constitutional amendment that would bar naturalized citizens from holding public office in Alabama. He pledged to deliver every signature to the legislature when it returns from Easter recess. He wished Happy Easter to the audience.

“SB21 is unconstitutional, un-American, and dangerous. The Fourteenth Amendment does not have an asterisk. It is Jim Crow by another name — and it will fail by the same name. Our state motto says, ‘We Dare Defend Our Rights.’ Well — this is that moment.”

War on Public Schools: Hanu called the CHOOSE Act “a scam and a deliberate transfer of tax dollars” from public schools into private schools with no accountability, citing $100 million a year in losses to school districts across District 4. He also criticized SB21, anthem mandates with funding penalties, and the supermajority’s threats to public libraries.

Cost of Living: Hanu highlighted Alabama’s ranking as the state with the highest local sales tax burden in the country, the $450 million acquisition of Crestwood Medical Center by Huntsville Hospital creating a healthcare monopoly in North Alabama, and the rising cost of doing business for small and family-owned businesses.

Program Highlights

Emcee — Lt. Col. Rod Herron, USA (Ret.): Lt. Colonel Rod Herron, a retired U.S. Army officer, served as emcee for the evening and introduced Hanu to the audience.

Campaign Chairman — Lt. Col. Benard Simelton, USAF (Ret.): Lt. Colonel Benard Simelton, a retired U.S. Air Force officer and former President of the NAACP Alabama State Conference, serves as Hanu’s Campaign Chairman. He spoke eloquently about civil rights, voting rights, and asked voters in State House District 4 to vote for Hanu on November 3rd.

Ken Hines: Mentor and longtime friend Ken Hines spoke about the importance of electing Hanu to bring meaningful change to District 4.

Diane Steele: Limestone County resident Diane Steele spoke to the crowd and stressed the importance of voter turnout and get-out-the-vote efforts across the district.

Jocelyn Broer: Madison resident Jocelyn Broer addressed the audience and said that Hanu always fought for transparency and reached across the aisle to defeat the city manager form of government in Madison in a wide margin. She encouraged everyone to vote for Hanu in November.

Vidya Karlapalem: Hanu’s wife Vidya, an ever-gracious host, prepared Bama Salad, seven-layer bean dip, and other dishes for guests — a personal touch that set a warm and welcoming tone for the evening.

She has a master’s degree in computer science and works as a Senior Software Engineer for a global company in Huntsville, Alabama.

Hanu took a moment to recognize fellow candidates present who are running for various offices in the 2026 election cycle, thanking them for their service and calling them “democracy warriors.” Hanu expressed deep gratitude to his campaign team, individual donors, and supporters, noting that every dollar raised has come from individuals — family, friends, and neighbors — with no special interest funding.

Call to action: Hanu said “Volunteer. Knock on doors. Make phone calls. Put a sign in your yard. Bring a neighbor. Donate. Every dollar is a vote of confidence — and a message that District 4 is not for sale.

Give at hanu4alabama.com — right now, from your phone.”

About Hanu Karlapalem

Hanu Karlapalem is a Madison, Alabama resident of 26 years, small technology business owner, UAH M.S. graduate, and Life Member and former Second Vice President of the Limestone County NAACP. He has been on the frontlines fighting against hate and bigotry, for voting rights and freedoms, and to protect our democracy and the Constitution. He has been married for 31 years and has deep roots in the North Alabama community through civic, professional, and community service. He is the Democratic nominee for Alabama State House District 4 in the November 3, 2026, general election.