By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Monday, Huntsville businessman and veteran, Jonathan Hard, announced his candidacy for state Senate District 7 as a Democrat.
Hard said in a statement, “People are tired of the ‘politics as usual’ crowd and want someone who will represent them. The folks I have spoken with want opportunity; opportunity to create business, strengthen our schools, and improve our quality of life. We need leadership that can cut through the partisanship and the politics; leadership that has experience providing real solutions for real problems.”
Hard said that he made the decision to run for the Senate after much discussion with community leaders, business owners, neighbors and family. Hard said that he believes that District 7 has the potential to lead the state in economic development. Hard stated, “We accomplish this goal by focusing on education, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure.”
Hard said that his principles are based in fiscal responsibility and take a common-sense approach, grounded in his experience as a successful businessman. “Our district needs a representative who is not afraid of tackling the tough issues that face our State.”
Hard warned that the state faces a looming budget crisis, uncertainty surrounding the state Board of Education and aging infrastructure. Hard says that he is committed to solving the problems that will impact the people of District 7 the most.
Hard is CEO and president of H2L Solutions, a cyber security and information assurance firm. He served in the Alabama National Guard for 12 years. After graduating from Ranger and Airborne School, he was deployed as an infantry officer in Iraq.
Hard has a degree in Business Management from the University of Alabama at Huntsville. He is married to Erin McCulley, who is the founder and President of E Squared Research Inc., a clinical research company centered in Huntsville, Alabama. Together they have five children, ranging in age from 2 to 11 years.
Hard is actively involved in the Huntsville/Madison County community, serving on the Board of Directors of The Harris Home for Children, Huntsville Association of Small Business in Advanced Technology, Women’s Business Center of North Alabama and the American Cancer Society’s Summer Lights Gala. He serves as a mentor to other professionals and entrepreneurs, and he actively assists in the professional development of aspiring students.
Hard has scheduled a campaign kickoff event for September 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Top, Suite 800 of the PNC Building in Huntsville, Alabama. The public is invited.
Hard is running for the seat held by Sen. Paul Sanford, R-Huntsville. Sanford has announced that he will not run again. Republican Party Vice-Chairman Sam Givhan has announced that he also is running for the District 7 Senate seat.
The major party primaries will be on June 5, 2018.
