The field for a special election to fill Alabama’s House District 11’s seat has been set following the resignation of former Rep. Randall Shedd in February and will feature familiar public faces and incoming candidates all vying for the position.

Former Cullman County School Board member Heath Allbright will face off against retired Army Col. Don Fallin in the Republican Primary Tuesday, May 13, and if necessary, again in a runoff election on Tuesday, June 10.

The winner of that primary election will be challenged by Democratic candidate Alexandria Braswell in the special general election August 26.

The Times sent each candidate a series of questions after the deadline to qualify for candidacy had passed. Below are their responses.  A District 12 Q&A will publish after qualifying has ended.

Heath Allbright

Chairman John Wahl recently declared the ALGOP officially supported the abolishment of the U.S. Department of Education. From your experience working closely with public schools as a member of the Cullman County Board of Education, do you share this opinion? Could you also explain the ways the USDOE aids and/or hinders local schools?

Yes, I agree with Chairman Wahl and am in support of President Trump’s plan to abolish the Federal Department of Education. The President has been clear that he plans to send the money directly to the states, allowing states like ours to allocate the funds where needed most. I support this because it allows states to fund initiatives or programs that better suit their state’s needs. Alabama’s education system may not have the same needs as the State of New York, Oregon, or Iowa. Additionally, nearly every function of the USDOE would likely be better handled by other entities of government: Student
Loans could be handled by the Treasury Department, the USDOE’s Office of Civil Rights could be handled by the Justice Department, and so on. As far as its hindrance on local schools, I’ve seen it first hand: the USDOE looks at every state through the same lens, forcing our state to operate and test under the same blanket policies as students in other states, which hinder career readiness, causes proficiency declines, and doesn’t allow local schools or students thrive through tailored education initiatives.

You are the only candidate to have had any level of experience in politics. What have those experiences taught you and what was the inspiration behind wanting to make this step into a higher political position?

I’m proud to have been given the opportunity to serve two terms on the Cullman County Board of Education. During my time, we built a strong reserve of funds, invested nearly $70 million back into our local schools, we improved the graduation rate from 80% to 97%, and have gone from 72% of students being college and career ready to now close to 99%. All of this taught me that if you listen to the people who elected you, you operate with fiscal responsibility, and work with everyone involved, great things can be achieved. I believe Representative Shedd did a great job. He was honest, worked hard, and is a solid conservative. After hearing of his retirement from the legislature, I began receiving calls from folks in our district encouraging me to run. After a lot of thought, prayers, and conversations with my family I decided to run because I saw it as a way to continue to serve the community that I have grown up in my whole life.

During Rep. Shedd’s tenure, he was largely seen as a champion of Alabama’s rural broadband initiative. Those efforts received widespread recognition last year when Cullman was chosen as the first site to connect to the Alabama Fiber Network. If elected, what issue would like to most closely focus on and what type of legacy do you hope to leave?

I believe our district and our state still has a lot of untapped potential. To improve the quality of life in our state, we need to build a robust economy that is diversified across many industries. To do this, we have to invest in our students. Representative Shedd’s work to bring broadband access to unserved and underserved places like Cullman County has proven to be a major part of getting our students ready to enter the workforce or seek a higher level of education. This would be one of my biggest focuses. I’d like to help prepare our young people to be ready to support themselves and contribute to our economy once they have completed their education. I hope to leave the legacy of being a Representative who brings solutions to the problems our district and state may face tomorrow.

State legislators are elected to represent their individual districts but also play a vital role in shaping statewide policies. How do you intend to balance these duties and deliver the best results for the constituents of District 11 while also delivering on an agenda to benefit the entire state?

As the Representative for House District 11, I will look to support policy that is mutually beneficial for our district as well as our state. However, I will fight policies that uniformly hurt the people of our state and district, and I will work even harder to fight policies that advance one area of the state at the expense of our district. The people of District 11 will always come first while I’m serving in this position.

There is currently a fair amount of partisan division in both the halls of Montgomery and communities alike. If elected do you plan to work with Democratic colleagues while in Montgomery and how do you plan to ensure more progressive voters that you will be able to represent their interests as well as those among conservatives?

I am a lifelong Conservative. I believe strongly in supporting family values and policy that aligns with the constitutional role of government. If I’m elected, I hope to work with anyone, Republican or Democrat, who is willing to shrink the size of government, reduce taxes and regulations on families and small businesses, and improve the quality of life for families in our state. These shouldn’t be partisan issues. Government is too big, taxes are too high, state and federal regulations are crushing small and family-owned businesses, and the people of Alabama deserve to have good jobs, good schools, and a high quality of life.

Alexandria Braswell

As a newcomer to the world of politics, what made you decide to throw your hat in the ring for the District 11 seat?

I’ve always believed that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about service. As a Cullman County resident, a sign language interpreter, and an advocate for working families, I’ve spent my career ensuring that people’s voices are heard and their rights are protected. But too often, it feels like those in power aren’t listening to the struggles of everyday families in our community. That’s why I decided to run. This campaign isn’t about me—it’s about us. It’s about ensuring that our schools have the resources they need, that people with disabilities receive the support they deserve, that small businesses can thrive without being crushed by corporate overreach, and that families don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and affording medication. I’m stepping up because we need leadership that is accountable to the people—not just political insiders or special interests. I’m here to listen, to fight for what’s right, and to make sure that District 11 has a voice in Montgomery that truly represents our community’s values and needs.

The last time a Democratic nominee was elected to Cullman’s legislative delegation was former Representative James Fields in 2008. That was also during a special election, however, he was defeated when seeking reelection in 2010. Are you hopeful that past Democratic successes during special elections will work in your favor during this election, and if so, do you have any plans to maintain that position in the future?

I believe people are less concerned about party labels and more concerned about who will actually fight for them. When you talk to families, business owners, and educators in District 11, you hear the same concerns: jobs, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. These aren’t partisan issues—they’re everyday realities. I’m hopeful not because of past elections, but because I see the hunger for leadership that listens and takes action. Winning this election isn’t about party politics—it’s about showing up, building trust, and proving that I’m in this for the long haul. If elected, I will maintain my position by doing what too many politicians fail to do: staying accessible, being transparent, and making decisions based on what benefits our community—not what benefits a political agenda. I plan to be an advocate for all of District 11, working to create long-term solutions that improve lives and strengthen our communities.

During Rep. Shedd’s tenure, he was seen as a champion of Alabama’s rural broadband initiative. Those efforts received widespread recognition last year when Cullman was chosen as the first site to connect to the Alabama Fiber Network. If elected, is there an issue you would focus on and what type of legacy do you hope to leave?

Rural broadband expansion is a great start, but we need to think bigger. Access should never be a privilege—it should be a right. Whether it’s education, healthcare, or economic opportunity, people shouldn’t be left behind simply because they live in a rural area. One of my top priorities is ensuring that families and small businesses have what they need to succeed. That means:
— Advocating for stronger protections for individuals with disabilities, so they have equal access to education, jobs, and healthcare.
— Investing in our local economy by supporting small businesses and making sure big corporations don’t use loopholes to crush local pharmacies and family-owned
businesses.
— Strengthening our infrastructure—not just with broadband, but by ensuring our roads, bridges, and public services are properly funded without unnecessary tax hikes. I want to leave a legacy of accessibility, accountability, and advocacy. My goal is to make District 11 a place where opportunity is within reach for everyone — not just for those who can afford it.

State legislators are elected to represent their individual districts, but also play a vital role in shaping statewide policies. How do you intend to balance these duties and deliver the best results for the constituents of District 11 while also delivering on an agenda to benefit the entire state?

The best way to balance these duties is simple: put people first. When I advocate for stronger education, small business support, and disability rights, I’m not just advocating for District 11 — I’m pushing for changes that help all of Alabama. Policies that strengthen our economy, improve healthcare access, and create better infrastructure benefit both our district and the state as a whole. That’s why I plan to show up, listen, and make sure District 11’s needs are at the table when
statewide decisions are being made. We’ve seen what happens when leaders ignore local voices — rural communities get left behind, working families struggle, and small businesses can’t compete. By bringing our district’s concerns to Montgomery and working across the aisle, I will make sure that our community is not just heard, but prioritized.

In recent elections, Cullman County voters have overwhelmingly favored conservative candidates. How do you plan to reach voters who may have reservations that Democratic candidates aren’t as in tune with the needs and values of this particular community?

The truth is, I don’t see this campaign as Democrat vs. Republican—I see it as the people vs. politics as usual. People in District 11 aren’t looking for a politician who checks the right party box—they’re looking for someone who actually listens, understands their struggles, and works to make life better. I plan to reach voters by:
— Showing up in their communities, not just when it’s election time, but all year round.
— Having real conversations about issues that impact their daily lives—jobs, education, healthcare, and the economy.
— Proving that I’m here to serve them, not a political party. I understand that trust has to be earned, not assumed. That’s why I will be transparent, accessible, and focused on solutions—not just soundbites. My campaign isn’t about pushing a party’s agenda—it’s about fighting for the people who make this district great. And I believe that if we focus on real problems and real solutions, we can find common ground and move our community forward—together.

Don Fallin

You’ve been pretty heavily involved in various non-profit agencies and committees, mostly focusing on veteran affairs, since your retirement from the U.S. Army. What is it that made you want to shift your focus step to a more political position and run for the District 11 seat?

I spent over three decades serving my country, more recently the Veterans in my community.  Now, I want to serve my district and state. I want to be a voice for the people here in our communities by supporting our citizens. I want to carry their needs to Montgomery as well as help our citizens understand the issues at hand, so they are informed of decisions made on their behalf. I will do everything I can to improve their quality of life by cutting taxes on struggling families, protecting and promoting small businesses, and fighting to eliminate government waste and defund programs that are not in the people’s interests.

I’m sure you have experienced the devastating effects of what has been referred to as Alabama’s mental health crisis through your work with veterans. Based on the most current data from the State’s Department of Mental Health, Alabama ranks 49th in access to care with only 35 percent of diagnosed adults receiving treatment and nearly 20 percent of diagnosed adults being uninsured. One solution that has been floated in the past is to expand Alabama’s Medicaid program to cover more individuals and increase access to care. Is this a policy you would support, and if not, what alternative policies would you see as a solution to this issue?

We need to take the issue of Mental Health in Alabama seriously, but I do not support the expansion of Medicaid.  The expansion of Medicaid would deepen Alabama’s dependency on federal dollars and thereby make the state vulnerable to changes in federal policy. It could lead to long-term price increases and significant negative impacts on the state General Fund budget. In addition, as the Federal Government undergoes reductions, will there be additional funding for expansion? We need to look at current spending and make changes to efficiency and effectiveness. We should work towards other solutions to help the Mental Health issue without expanding Medicaid.

During Rep. Shedd’s tenure, he was largely seen as a champion of Alabama’s rural broadband initiative. Those efforts received widespread recognition last year when Cullman was chosen as the first site to connect to the Alabama Broadband Network (check the name of this). If elected, what issue would like to most closely focus on and what type of legacy do you hope to leave?

I have been friends with Representative Shedd for many years, starting well before I retired from the Service, working together to honor our Veterans. Representative Shedd has never been one to let “his Legacy” define his approach to supporting District 11. I hope to emulate his quiet professionalism and humble demeanor if elected and “establishing a Legacy” is not in my goal. District 11 is a farming community, spanning generations. I hope to ease the tax burden on our hard-working families, I will support common use land regulations, and I will always stand with our parents and grandparents to ensure that a transgender agenda is not pushed in our libraries and school.

State legislators are elected to represent their individual districts but also play a vital role in shaping statewide policies. How do you intend to balance these duties and deliver the best results for the constituents of District 11 while also delivering on an agenda to benefit the entire state?

Many of the opportunities and priorities we seek in District 11 are not unlike those across our state — I want to stand with our Veterans, provide transparency of all legislation in Montgomery, shrink state government, and be fiscally responsible, reduce taxes, protect local business and protect our Alabama Values.

One particular issue that has divided Alabama’s Republican lawmakers has been Gov. Kay Ivey’s attempts to seize control over the Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs after firing former director Kent Davis last year. A bill that restructures ADVA leadership and moves the director position into the governor’s cabinet was just narrowly approved by both chambers despite vocal opposition from a number of veterans, lawmakers and advocacy organizations. As a veteran yourself, do you have any thoughts on this bill that you would like to share? Also, how would you work to ensure Alabama veterans that their voices will continue to be represented regardless of the outcome of this particular situation?

During the recent VFW Post 2214 meeting on March 6, 2025, the room was filled with disappointment with the decision to usurp the authority of the Alabama State Veterans Board. I will always stand up for what is best for our Veterans. I have been in contact with senior Veteran Organization Leaders across the state and have been given a mandate to fight to take back control of Veterans Affairs. We need to continue to eliminate Veteran suicide, provide accessible and affordable Mental Health care for our Veterans and provide the resources needed for our Veterans suffering from PTSD from serving in our “Longest War.”