After more than two decades in military and federal service, Jessie Barcala says he feels called to serve again.
The retired public safety official and veteran is running for Alabama House District 5, citing rapid growth, rising costs and a lack of visible leadership.
Barcala said his decision to run was driven in part by concerns facing his own family, particularly younger residents struggling with housing affordability and health care access.
“I’ve got kids who are older, they’re in their 20s,” Barcala said. “My youngest daughter is having issues finding apartments that are affordable, and she doesn’t know if she’ll ever actually own a house. She’s also diabetic, so she has health care concerns. With the rising cost of health care, she’s trying to figure out what her options are.”
Barcala said those challenges reflect broader gaps he sees across House District 5, which includes East Athens, Tanner, Elkmont, Ardmore and communities stretching north to the Tennessee line.
“Limestone County is the fastest-growing county in the state of Alabama,” Barcala said. “That’s a great thing. We’re seeing people move in to work at Redstone Arsenal, with the FBI, ATF, and other agencies. But we don’t have the infrastructure to support that growth.”
He cited strained roadways, limited access to hospitals and health care services and a shortage of affordable housing as top issues he would prioritize if elected.
“We don’t have the roads being built to sustain that kind of growth,” he said. “We don’t have the amount of health care and hospitals that we need. Those are areas we really need to focus on.”
Barcala brings a background in national security and public safety. He served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in the U.S. Air Force, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan where he led counter-IED operations and was awarded the Bronze Star.
He later worked with the Transportation Security Administration and the FBI, spending more than 18 years in federal service before retiring after a combined 25-year career.
“I served my country for well over two decades,” Barcala said. “Now I want to continue to do that by serving my community and making sure it’s better for my neighbors and family.”
Barcala also criticized what he described as a lack of engagement from the district’s current representative.
“If you just Google Danny Crawford, there’s not much out there,” he said. “In the military, we used to call that ghost leadership. He’s out there, but you don’t really feel his presence. We need leaders who are available and who show people they’re there to represent them.”
Rep. Danny Crawford, a Republican, has represented House District 5 since 2016.
Barcala said his campaign will focus on accessibility, visibility and voter participation.
“I want people to know I’m here and that they can reach me,” he said. “And the biggest thing is this: get out and vote. Everybody’s voice needs to be heard.”
Barcala urged voters to connect and learn more about him at barcalaforstaterrep.com.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.