BATTLEGROUND, Ala. – Cullman County’s James R. (JR) Bowling has officially qualified to run for Alabama Senate, District 4.
Bowling announced his candidacy in December.
Bowling said his philosophy and platforms are simple: smaller government and lower taxes with a mindset of keeping the order: faith, family, freedom.
“My wife, Amanda, and I have been married for 26 years and have two teenage children,” Bowling said. “I am a lifelong Alabamian, a manufacturing plant manager and a volunteer firefighter of over 20 years who believes in public service, accountability and standing up for people when it matters, not just when it’s convenient.”
Bowling said he has spent his career working directly with families, workers and small businesses.
“I try to help people navigate broken systems, advocating fairness and demanding accountability,” he said. “I have seen firsthand how rising costs, limited health care access, mental health gaps and family court failures impact real families across our district. I am a proud family man who understands that what happens in Montgomery directly affects our homes, our paychecks and our future.”
Bowling said he stepped up in May 2025 because of SB322; he said the local government and the people’s voices were ignored.
“Too many decisions are being made that ignore our voices and hurt our families while protecting insiders and special interests,” he said. “I have witnessed our district be ignored, costs rise, accountability disappear and real concerns go unheard. There came a point where waiting was no longer acceptable. I’m running because District 4 deserves a representative who answers to the people — not political insiders.”
Per his platform, he said he will bring real-world leadership, hands-on service and a proven commitment to the local communities — not political ambition.
“As a manufacturing plant manager, I understand what it takes to keep people working, meet payroll, manage budgets and make tough decisions responsibly,” Bowling said. “I know firsthand how state policy affects local employers, families and the overall economy of our counties. I’ve also served as a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years. That means I’ve been in people’s homes on their worst days. I’ve seen the real consequences of poor infrastructure, lack of access to health care and limited public safety resources. Those experiences shape how I will govern — with urgency, compassion and common sense.”
Accessibility is one of Bowling’s platforms.
“I won’t be a career politician tied to Montgomery insiders or special interests,” he said. “I will be an accessible, transparent senator who listens to our counties, works across party lines when needed and puts local families, first responders, small businesses and rural communities ahead of political games.
“Our counties deserve practical solutions, honest leadership and someone who shows up — not just during election season, but every day. Transparency, accountability and action. You will know where I stand. You will be heard. And you will see the results. I will hold public town halls, maintain open communication and bring local voices directly into the legislative process. Our district will no longer be an afterthought — we will be active participants in Montgomery.”
Bowling said his campaign focuses on real, achievable reform through mental health access and crisis response; family court reform and parental rights, medical cannabis and safer alternatives to opioids, including CBD and hemp products, accountability and transparency in government, fixing the “infamous” 2019 gas tax and bringing that revenue back to the counties it is generated in, for road repairs.
“Additional things include: animal welfare reform, permanent funding for volunteer fire departments and abolish the ABC board as a business (the government has no business competing with small businesses),” Bowling said. “Eliminate wasteful spending, such as the $400 million State House, when $50 million over 10 years in remodeling would have been the more conservative solution. Eliminating flock cameras and speed enforcement cameras, which I feel are unconstitutional. And last but not least, education reform and putting more money into the classroom.”
Bowling said his campaign is about restoring trust in the government and amplifying the people’s voice, bringing them to the table.
“People are tired of empty promises and closed-door politics,” Bowling said. “They want leadership that listens, shows up and delivers. I’m running to give our district its voice back — and to fight for real change. We have had enough of political theatrics and rhetoric. It is a shame when we only get to vote on our representation, but not on the things that impact our lives.”
Key dates
- Primary Election: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
- Primary Runoff Election: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
- General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
