Copyright AL.com
An HBCU law student and mother of three is determined to flip a state political office by running a campaign that prioritizes better schools, healthcare and transparency for central Alabamians. Nell Brown, a Democrat who has deep familial roots in McCalla, Ala., is pursuing the Alabama House of Representative seat for District 15, which includes parts of McCalla, Bessemer, Hoover and Helena. She will be taking on Republican incumbent Leigh Hulsey, a former Helena councilwoman. After earning her bachelor’s from Miles College, Brown is now completing a law degree at Miles Law School. She said that improving public education, strengthening local economies and expanding healthcare will become her main focus if elected. Brown said on her website that she has witnessed neighbors suffer because they couldn’t find basic medical treatment. “No family should ever have to choose between putting food on the table and getting the care they need,” Brown said. “I believe healthcare is a human right, not a privilege, and every person deserves access to the care that keeps them and their loved ones healthy.” Alabama placed 44th in education this year, according to an annual ranking from the U.S. News & World Report. Brown said that outdated materials and budget cuts don’t set up students for prosperity. By modernizing resources and making sure schools are safe and staffed, Brown said classrooms can be a catalyst for long-term success. “When we invest in public education, we invest in the future of our communities. Strong schools reduce crime, open doors to better jobs, and give every child the chance to thrive,” Brown said on her website. “They also strengthen our local economy by raising property values and attracting quality businesses and jobs to District 15.” This campaign isn’t just a political pursuit for Brown. It’s personal. Brown said she has overcome many hardships in her life, giving her the ability to not only relate to the circumstances Alabamians are enduring, but it also gives her the mindset to find solutions. “I’m running because our community deserves a representative who listens, cares, and works for everyday families,” said Brown. “As a wife and mother, I understand the struggles that families in our district face every day, from access to quality education and affordable healthcare to creating opportunities that keep our young people here at home.”
