Karlapalem to Voters: Affordability, Not Division or Hate

From the Karlapalem campaign

Nominee says attacks began even before his campaign was launched and he will not change his focus: lower costs, stronger public schools, and real healthcare; his opponent ignored three debate challenges

MADISON, Ala. - Hanu Karlapalem, Democratic nominee for Alabama State House District 4, today asked voters to look past the noise, to pray for those who spread hate, and to focus on affordability. Racism and xenophobia have no place in District 4. Election Day is this Tuesday, November 3.

"I respect all faiths. I believe in inner peace, love ever, and hurt never — and I've found those same values in my neighbors across District 4, whatever their faith tradition. I believe that service to humanity is service to God." Karlapalem said in his April 4 campaign launch speech. “I share the commitment of all faiths to love all people,” he said.

"My own family is multi-racial, Black, White, and Hispanic, and multi-faith, including Christians," he has said in recent speeches and at his October 22 press conference. "I am the only candidate in HD4 who will work for all," Karlapalem said today.

Karlapalem has spoken at Black churches across the district and works with faith leaders. He would welcome an invitation from any congregation in District 4.

"I believe faith should look like compassion for children and families. I criticize leaders and policies that do not put children first," Karlapalem said.

"I have known and worked closely with Hanu for many years, and I know how much he values his many Christian and politically conservative friends," said Ken Hines, his 2018 campaign chairman, in a statement read by Benard Simelton at the October 22 press conference.

On childcare, Karlapalem said in a March speech: "When childcare is unaffordable, women are forced out of careers. Alabama must build public childcare infrastructure and expand Medicaid. It's not a policy debate — it's a daily crisis."

KARLAPALEM'S PRIORITIES FOR DISTRICT 4

• Ban Flock cameras: no Flock cameras until privacy, transparency, and accountability are guaranteed.

• Expand Medicaid: lower healthcare costs and put care within reach of every Alabamian.

• Public childcare infrastructure: build childcare families can afford so parents, especially mothers, can stay in their careers.

• Protect nurses: stand up for the nurses who care for Alabama families.

• Veterans first: bridge the care gap, reform the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and put it in the hands of veterans, not politicians.

"My campaign, the NAACP, and I have faced racist and xenophobic attacks. I asked my opponent and the Republican supermajority to condemn them. I have not heard back. Silence is a choice. I call out hate wherever it comes from," Karlapalem said.

"The attacks started in February even before I launched my campaign on April 4. And the attacks continue. They haven't stopped me, and they won't. I'm in this fight to lower costs, strengthen our public schools, and give families real healthcare," Karlapalem said.

Karlapalem said some of his past posts have been quoted without context and that some partisan gossip outlets have cut and rearranged his words to distract and divide. His opponent ignored three debate challenges, one in each county of the district.

In August, voters received unsolicited text "surveys" branded "Voter Opinion Center" that planted attack lines attributed to Karlapalem and disclosed no sponsor. He filed a complaint with the Alabama Secretary of State citing Code of Alabama §§ 17-5-2(4) and 17-5-12(a). The complaint was forwarded to the Attorney General's Office. He filed the same complaint with the Morgan County District Attorney’s office.

We do not know if they are investigating or not. The sponsor has not been identified yet.

Republican lawmakers pre-filed SB21 in October 2025, a bill that would have barred naturalized citizens like Karlapalem from serving in the Legislature and other offices. It never passed.

"My opponent has taken $107,500 from 65 PACs and corporate donors, and dismissed neighbors' concerns about AI data centers as 'foreign disinformation.' District 4 families deserve a representative who answers to them, not to special interest PACs," Karlapalem said.

WHAT KARLAPALEM IS CALLING FOR

• Condemnation. My opponent and the Republican supermajority should condemn the racist and xenophobic attacks on Karlapalem, his campaign, and the NAACP.

• Disclosure. Whoever sent the Voter Opinion Center texts should disclose who paid for them.

• Childcare families can afford. Alabama should build public childcare infrastructure as part of lowering costs for District 4 families.

Hanu Karlapalem does not accept money from corporate or special interest PACs.

On November 3, Karlapalem is asking District 4 voters to vote An Alabama We Can Afford: lower costs, stronger public schools, real healthcare.

“Polls will be open from 7 AM to 7 PM. Don’t wait until evening. Vote as soon as polls open at your earliest convenience,” Karlapalem said.

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.

For more information: https://www.hanu4alabama.com