By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Tuesday, December 2, Congressman/Elect Gary Palmer (R) announced another key addition to his staff. Palmer has named Alabama Native Cari Kelly as Legislative Director.
Representative/Elect Palmer said in a written statement, “I am thrilled to welcome Cari to our Washington team. She has vast experience working for conservative principles. Her background and knowledge on key issues will be invaluable in our work.”
Kelly said, “I am thrilled to serve my home State in this new capacity,” said Kelly. “It is an honor to work for a member who will be a strong leader and fighter for conservative principles.”
Cari Kelly was previously a legislative strategist for the conservative Heritage Action for America, focusing on the issues of immigration, the 2nd Amendment, religious liberty, social issues, financial services and housing.
According to information provided by the Palmer team, Kelly, in her role at the Heritage Action, worked closely with the Heritage Foundation to promote conservative ideas and educate members of Congress on current issues by providing analysis and recommendations for upcoming votes.
Before that, Kelly worked on Capitol Hill as Oversight Counsel for the Senate Budget Committee under Senator Jeff Sessions (R from Alabama). In this role, she conducted oversight investigations for wasteful, duplicative and ineffective spending.
Kelly has also served internships in the U.S. House of Representatives under both Representative Martha Roby (R from Montgomery) and former Representative Jo Bonner (R from Mobile).
Kelly has a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law and a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications and Film from the University of Alabama.
Kelly is originally from Mobile, Alabama and currently resides in Washington D.C.
On November 4, Gary Palmer was elected to represent Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District. Popular incumbent Representative Spencer Bachus (R from Vestavia) is retiring at the end of the year and chose not to seek a 12th term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Bachus is still the Representative until this Congress ends and the new Congress is sworn in.
Gary Palmer co-founded the Alabama Policy Institute which he headed as President for 24 years until stepping down late last year to run for Congress after the Bachus retirement announcement. Palmer grew up in Hackleburgh and has a degree in Operations Management from the University of Alabama.
