Karlapalem wins national STEM endorsement in House District 4 race

Democratic Alabama House District 4 nominee Hanu Karlapalem has received the endorsement of the 314 Action Fund, a national political organization that supports candidates with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The endorsement comes as Karlapalem campaigns against two-term Republican incumbent Rep. Parker Moore ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

Karlapalem, a Madison resident and founder and CEO of the Madison-based technology services company Vinhamz Inc., said the endorsement reflects both his professional experience and the technical background he believes is needed in the Alabama Legislature.

"North Alabama has one of the highest concentrations of STEM professionals in the country. HD4 deserves a legislator who reflects that in Montgomery," Karlapalem said.

Karlapalem has spent more than 35 years as a small business owner, including more than 18 years working in information technology, cloud computing and cybersecurity. Earlier in his career, he operated businesses focused on air purification, pollution control, industrial lighting and oil reclamation systems.

He earned a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Delhi College of Engineering, now Delhi Technological University, and a master's degree in management information systems from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Karlapalem said his technical experience would bring a different perspective to state government.

"This is not about politics. This is about competence," Karlapalem said. "I've spent over 35 years solving hard technical problems for real clients. That is the kind of leadership I will bring to Montgomery, not talking points."

The endorsement recognizes Karlapalem's engineering and technology background at a time when lawmakers are increasingly addressing issues involving cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, technology infrastructure and state spending.

Founded in 2017, the 314 Action Fund is a Democratic political action committee that recruits and supports candidates with STEM backgrounds for federal, state and local office. The organization says it has endorsed more than 300 STEM candidates during the 2026 election cycle and has invested more than $12 million in Democratic campaigns this year.

Karlapalem emphasized that the endorsement does not change how his campaign is financed.

"Every dollar has come from individual donors: family, friends, neighbors, supporters," Karlapalem said. "This endorsement is recognition, not a check. My priorities are set by the people of District 4, not by any outside organization."

Karlapalem previously received the 2026 Gun Sense Candidate Distinction Award from Moms Demand Action and has also been endorsed by the Alabama Democratic County Party Chairs Association.

Karlapalem said his focus remains on bringing technical expertise to Montgomery if elected.

"House District 4 deserves a legislator who brings real technical judgment to Montgomery," Karlapalem said. "When I go to Montgomery in January, that's exactly what I'll bring."

House District 4 includes portions of Madison, Limestone and Morgan Counties. The seat is currently held by Rep. Parker Moore, who is seeking a third term. Moore won the Republican primary without opposition, while Karlapalem was unopposed in the Democratic primary. The district favored Republicans by more than 32 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election, making it one of the more Republican-leaning legislative districts in North Alabama.

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.

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