Former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks is pushing back on accusations from State Rep. James Lomax regarding his past tax votes, marking an escalation in the Republican primary contest for Alabama House District 20.
In campaign materials shared this week, Brooks disputed claims that he supported tax increases during his time in the Alabama Legislature, pointing instead to entries in the Alabama House Journal and historical news coverage.
“The Journal of the Alabama House of Representatives and historical newspaper documents both reveal that James Lomax’s campaign team fabricates lies for personal and political gain faster than rabbits breed,” according to Brooks’ release.
Brooks (R-Huntsville) said his record shows he voted against efforts to raise the state income tax in the 1980s and supported measures he described as reducing tax rates.
“The Journal of the Alabama House of Representatives and historical newspaper documents both reveal that James Lomax’s campaign team fabricates lies for personal and political gain,” Brooks said in a statement provided to media.
At issue are votes tied to a 1984 proposal during the administration of former Gov. George Wallace that would have raised the state income tax rate from 5 percent to 6 percent through a constitutional amendment.
Brooks said he voted against that amendment and supported alternative proposals to lower income tax rates. He also argued that a separate “enabling” bill cited by Lomax’s campaign would not have increased taxes on its own, as it depended on voter approval of the constitutional amendment.
Lomax’s campaign has previously claimed Brooks of supporting various tax increases, including income, sales and property taxes, a characterization Brooks rejects.
The back-and-forth highlights a central line of attack in the District 20 race, where candidates are focusing on tax policy and legislative records to draw contrasts with voters.
Brooks, who served in Congress from 2011 to 2023 and previously in the Alabama House, is challenging Lomax, a first-term lawmaker who currently serves as House Majority Whip.
When contacted for comment, Rep. Lomax maintained all sources are cited and Brooks did vote for them.
“Maybe the reason Mo can’t remember his own record is because he’s been running for office for 40 years, or, he’s thinking about the next odd metaphor to attack someone with. Earlier in this race he discussed Nancy Pelosi’s skirt, now he’s talking about the breeding practices of rabbits,” said Lomax.
“The fact is, Mo Brooks voted to raise taxes 87 times while in the Alabama legislature and only passed one bill during his 12 years in Congress. He can run from his record all he wants, but he can never hide from it. On the contrary, my record is one of $1.5 Billion in tax cuts, major conservative wins, thousands of new jobs, more funding for schools and infrastructure, and promoting pro-family, pro-business policy.”
The Republican primary for Alabama House District 20 is scheduled for May 19.
