By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Tuesday, November 24, former Alabama State Senator Shadrack McGill (R) formally announced that he is challenging incumbent US Senator Richard Shelby (R) in the March 1 Republican Primary.
Former state Senator McGill said, “As a member of the State Senate, I was relentless in fighting to preserve our values and protect our freedom. I was not focused on making friends or pleasing the political class. Instead, I rolled up my sleeves and did the job I was elected to do. I stood strong, I fought hard, and I refused to go along with the ‘status quo.’ That is exactly the kind of leadership we need in Washington.”
Sen. McGill expressed gratitude to Shelby for his service; but stated that he believes it is time for a change: “I respect Senator Shelby for his decades of service, and, on behalf of the people of Alabama, I express my gratitude; however, the people across the nation and here in our beautiful state are waking up to the fact that it is time- time to send our career politicians home. It is time for a new generation of conservative leadership to step forward, to take the banner, to fight for our principles, and restore this great land of ours.”
Sen. McGill said, “Our politicians have become too entrenched in the status quo, too beholden to Wall Street, too focused on enriching themselves, and too dependent on bolstering their campaign war-chests with millions of dollars from those who expect something in return. I am ready to stand up, be counted, and be the leader our people deserve- a Senator who will fight for the Christian, oppose the Islamic State and radical jihadists, thwart the liberal agenda, speak for Main Street and for our small towns, halt the growth of government, and restore the values and liberties that made this nation great.”
McGill said, “We are seeing our country go down the wrong path. The only way we will turn this nation around is to change the people who lead us. Establishment politicians have failed, and it is time for new, principled leadership.”
Shadrack McGill, age 40, lives with his wife Heather and their six children in Jackson County.
Mcgill said in his statement, “My faith is the driving force in my life, and I am seeking this seat because I feel the Lord calling me to do so. I refuse to sit idly by and see the values that were foundational to this country and are at the core of the faith shared by so many Alabamians assaulted and undermined in Washington. As Senator, I will fight for religious liberty, the Right to Life, traditional marriage, and work to return this country to the God who has blessed us throughout our history. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, this kind of bold leadership is needed if we hope to leave them a country we could recognize.”
McGill burst on the Alabama political scene in 2010 when his insurgent candidacy unseated arguably the most powerful state Senator, Lowell Baron (D). McGill did not run for re-election in 2014 instead running unsuccessfully for Jackson County Revenue Commissioner.
Senator Richard Shelby, now 81, has represented Alabama in the US Senate since his election in 1986. In addition to Shelby and McGill political newcomers: John Martin, Jonathan McConnell, and Marcus Bowman are also running as Republicans in the primary. Ron Crumpton and Charles Nana are running as Democrats.
The winner of each major party primary will face off in the general election next November.
