Moms for Liberty, Log Cabin Republicans Host Jones, Pate, Dobson

The Madison Chapter of Moms for Liberty and the Log Cabin Republicans of Huntsville hosted candidates Emily Jones, Rick Pate and Caroleene Dobson Thursday evening at Loona’s Cafe in Madison.

The meeting was opened by Andy Blalock of the Log Cabin Republicans, who spoke briefly about the formation of the group before introducing the three candidates who were speaking.

Emily Jones, who is running for State School Board in District 8, spoke about how there have been issues with the State School Board not making textbooks available for review by the public, as they are required to do. At present, social studies textbooks are scheduled to be reviewed and approved, but this vote to approve them has been delayed.

After being asked a question about this, Jones said that she’d attempted to get the social studies books herself, but “you can’t find the books that are up for review. If they can’t get the content out, it doesn’t need to be approved.”

Jones, who is also Chapter President of Moms for Liberty—Madison, is a strong proponent of returning to physical textbooks, and recently wrote an opinion piece for ALPolitics.com about this issue.

She also expressed concerns that the 2022 law mandating school mental health councilors had a last minute addition that made it an opt-out rather than an opt-in program, which weakens parental rights and could be “the gateway for all the radical ideologies” to be pushed on Alabama’s school children. Jones repeated her commitment to continue to be a strong advocate for parental rights.

Caroleene Dobson, candidate for Alabama Secretary of State, began by saying “there’s nothing more fundamental than election integrity,” and this will be a central focus of her work as Secretary of State.

“Election integrity is not something we can take for granted,” Dobson said. “My goal is to eradicate election fraud at all levels, not just the large ones. There’s no race too small.”

Dobson stated that she will create a dedicated election fraud unit min the SecState’s office to specifically address this issue. She also stated that she would be significantly reducing the fees charged by the office to encourage businesses in Alabama, because “there’s no reason we shouldn’t have a competitive business structure.”

Dobson also discussed that she would also create a task force within the office of officials “and families who have been through adoptions, to make sure the process is as smooth as it can be.” She also said that she would focus “on being proactive in meeting the needs of kids and adoptive families,” as all adoptions must be filed with the Secretary of State, and this can be a cumbersome process.

Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate, who is term-limited in his current office and currently running for Lt, Governor, said “I have a heart of service. I feel like I have more to give.” Pate was one of the first elected officials in Alabama to endorse President Trump and spoke about his experience as Mayor of Lowndesboro before being elected as Ag Commissioner.

Pate served as a Trump delegate in 2020 and 2024, and said that he’d spoken with Sen. Tuberville both about Tuberville’s Gubernatorial run and his own run for Lt. Gov. “I have a good relationship with him,” Pare said, “I’ve talked with him about ways to pull Alabama forward. I just think there’s an opportunity there to have everybody pulling in the same direction.”

Pate talked about his history as a businessman before entering politics, saying that the experience of signing paychecks is important. “Signing those checks, I think that changes you,” Pate said. “I think it changes you in a good way. Government thinks they’re the solution, but they’re the problem. They’re an impediment to being successful. Government has got to get out of the way.”

Following their formal presentations, both Pate and Dobson signed the Moms for Liberty Parent Pledge, which asserts that parents have final authority over their children’s education, healthcare and moral upbringing. Their signatures add to the growing number of candidates, elected officials and private citizens who support the national Parents Rights movement.

To learn more about Moms for Liberty—Madison, follow them on Facebook.

For more information about the Log Cabin Republicans of Huntsville, visit their Facebook page.

To learn more about the campaigns of Emily Jones, Caroleene Dobson and Rick Pate, use the embedded links or follow them on the web or social media.