Calming voices: Millennial Alabama legislators unite to champion civility

MONTGOMERY — “Civility is not weakness; it is strength.” – State Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika).

“Political disagreement should never be settled with violence or in online echo chambers, but by people at the ballot box.” – State Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville).

In a show of bipartisan unity, two of Alabama’s youngest state legislators have issued a joint call for civility and respect in public life.

“Political disagreement should never be settled with violence or in online echo chambers, but by people at the ballot box,” said Lomax, 34. “Social media is not real life. It may feel satisfying to fire off a hot take, but it rarely changes hearts or minds.”

And their statement comes in the wake of heightened political tension and recent national tragedies.

“As one of Alabama’s younger legislators, I believe our duty is not to add fuel to the fire, but to bring light through the smoke,” said Gray, 39. “Our nation has endured enough tragedy—and enough heated rhetoric piled on top of it. It’s time to cool the air. Here in Montgomery, most of what we pass isn’t partisan; it’s purposeful. It’s not about left or right— it’s about moving every community we serve forward and upward.

“We may disagree, but disagreement doesn’t make us enemies. It makes us neighbors with different views., two young lawmakers are urging Alabamians to lower the temperature, reject petty tactics, and rediscover the power of respectful dialogue.”

In the statement, Gray emphasized respect and restraint because “it’s not about who shouts the loudest.”

“Civility is not weakness; it is strength,” he said. “It’s the muscle that keeps our democracy standing tall. If we fail to flex it, we risk tearing the very fabric that binds us. That’s why I choose to model respect and restraint — because in the end, it’s not about who shouts the loudest, but who stands tallest when the shouting stops.

“And I believe we can stand tall — together.”

Lomax echoed Gray’s remarks about today’s political climate featuring “bombastic voices.”

“We don’t have to abandon our principles to elevate our tone,” he said. “Today’s politics often rewards the most bombastic voices. Yet the leaders who listen carefully, act with dignity, and build trust are the ones who deliver lasting results. I’m looking in the mirror to see how I can do better.

“I applaud Representative Gray for doing the same and encourage other leaders to reflect on how they can be a light in a dark moment. Even small acts of respect can point us to a brighter tomorrow.”