Gary Palmer

Gary Palmer grew up in Hackleburg and played junior varsity football while studying at the University of Alabama.¹ He graduated in operations management in 1977, after attending the junior college now known as Bevill State.¹ He and his wife, Ann, have three children and have made their home in Hoover.¹

After college and study at a seminary, Palmer worked in business for about twelve years, largely in engineering roles.¹ He helped found the Alabama Family Alliance, which became the Alabama Policy Institute, and led it for roughly 24 years.¹ The organization promoted limited government, free markets and conservative social policy before he entered electoral politics.¹

Palmer was first elected to Congress in 2014 and has served on committees dealing with energy, oversight, transportation and the budget.¹ In September 2026, the House passed the CHARM Act, a minerals recovery proposal he introduced with Democrat Paul Tonko.² His office also offers monthly coffee and pastry meetings for constituents visiting Washington.²

His current positions include reducing business regulations, restricting abortion and strengthening border enforcement.³ He argues that lower federal spending can help address the deficit and supports changes to federal health spending.³ He faces Democrat Maurice Mercer, a former Pelham council president emphasizing affordability and healthcare access.³