Republican · Alabama's 4th District · 2026
Robert Aderholt
Aderholt grew up in Haleyville with a father who was both a judge and a minister.
Biography
Robert Aderholt grew up in Haleyville as the only child of a father who combined work as a circuit court judge with service as a minister.1 He and his wife, Caroline, married in 1994 and have two children.1 His own route to Congress also began in the law.1
He studied history and political science at Birmingham-Southern College, graduating in 1987, and earned his law degree at Samford's Cumberland School of Law in 1990.1 After private practice, he became Haleyville's municipal judge and later a legal assistant to Governor Fob James.1 He won his first congressional election in 1996 and began serving the following year.12
Aderholt's congressional work centers on appropriations, including chairing the subcommittee overseeing labor, health and education spending.1 He has backed federal support for roads, industrial development and north Alabama's aerospace work.1 In the current campaign, he cites helping communities obtain sewer connections and highway links that can make new development possible.2
He supports the 2025 Republican tax law and points to its tax break for workers earning tips.2 His broader record includes opposition to abortion and support for stronger border enforcement.1 He faces Democrat Amanda Pusczek, a nurse whose campaign emphasizes healthcare access, workers' rights and affordability.2
Record and controversies
2012 campaign reporting settlement
In 2012, Aderholt's campaign agreed to a $13,000 civil penalty in an FEC settlement concerning inaccurate financial reports and late deposits of contributions.3 The commission said the campaign had itself disclosed discrepancies between its bank statements and campaign reports.3 The respondent was the campaign committee and its treasurer in his official capacity.3