By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Monday, attorney Rich Hobson officially qualified as a Republican candidate for Congress in Alabama’s 2nd District.
“It is imperative that we reorient our thinking away from a bloated federal government that overreaches into every area of our lives,” Hobson said.
Hobson is a longtime Roy Moore aide and most recently served as Moore’s campaign manager for U.S. Senate.
“Since announcing my plans to run for Congress almost a month ago, I have traveled throughout Alabama’s Second District, listening to the needs and concerns of its residents,” Hobson said. “Over and over, I heard folks echo the same concerns that prompted me to get into this race. I believe that our nation is at a crucial point in our history, and we are in desperate need of strong leadership to preserve a safe, prosperous, and moral America for our children and grandchildren.”
Hobson was a U.S. Air Force reservist from 1985 to 1991.
“As a veteran, I know firsthand that our military is the best in the world, but I also know that does not happen by accident,” Hobson stated. “It is crucial that we prioritize funding to ensure that our brave men and women in uniform are the best trained, best equipped, and strongest fighting force in the world. We must prioritize the principle of peace through strength.”
Hobson was the administrative director of the Alabama Judicial System while Moore served as the chief justice.
“Through my two decades of leadership in the Alabama judicial system, I understand federalism and the proper role of our courts,” Hobson continued. “It is imperative that we reorient our thinking away from a bloated federal government that overreaches into every area of our lives and back to the principle of limited government our nation’s Founders established.”
Hobson has also served as the executive director of the Foundation for Moral Law, a nonprofit legal organization that fights for religious liberties across the nation.
“Without a solid moral framework, our nation will not endure,” Hobson said. “That’s why I plan to continue the work I’ve done on the front lines of the most important issues or our time—life, marriage, and acknowledging our Creator who gave us the Ten Commandments. I want to ensure that the values of our forefathers are preserved throughout future generations.”
The 2nd Congressional District is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery. Roby angered some conservatives in her first three terms due to her support for then Speaker of the House John Boehner, R-Ohio, and what they felt were too moderate positions.
In 2016, Roby fought off a challenge from Tea Party activist Becky Gerritson in the Republican primary. Roby’s decision to withdraw her endorsement of Donald Trump for president, however, greatly increased her unpopularity with conservatives and Trump-supporting populists.
“I’m so grateful for the strong support our campaign has, and I look forward to continuing to connect with Second District voters about our hopeful, conservative vision for America,” Hobson said. “I’m running because our nation is at a crucial time in history, and I want to make sure that we preserve a safe, prosperous, and moral America for our children and grandchildren.”
In addition to Hobson and Roby, state Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, has qualified for the office. Tommy Amason has announced that he is also running for the seat.
The major party primaries will be on June 5, 2018.
