Republican candidate Dr. Angelo “Doc” Mancuso says efforts are underway within the Alabama Republican Party to remove him from the GOP primary ballot in the race for House District 7.
Mancuso, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Ernie Yarbrough in the Republican primary, said in a statement he is asking the Alabama Republican Executive Committee to reject what he described as an attempt by political insiders aligned with his opponent to disqualify him from the ballot. According to Mancuso, the challenge centers on his service as a Democrat more than a decade ago, before he later aligned with the Republican Party.
“This isn’t about party loyalty, it’s about voter choice,” Mancuso said in a statement. “The Republican Party has always been a big tent that welcomes independent thinkers and people who are willing to stand on principle. Trying to eliminate a candidate behind closed doors denies voters their voice.”
Mancuso previously served in the Alabama House from 1998 to 2002, a period that predates the Republican Party’s current supermajority control of state government. During his earlier tenure, Mancuso has said he sponsored and passed legislation focused on education, worked to increase teacher pay and supported efforts to bring industry and infrastructure investment to the district. He has also cited involvement in securing funding for hospice services, senior centers, public libraries, scholarships, road projects and technology upgrades in schools.
In the current race, Mancuso, a dermatologic surgeon, has framed his campaign around what he describes as experienced and effective conservative leadership. He has said his priorities include improving roads, expanding access to health care, strengthening schools and attracting jobs to District 7.
“What matters is where you stand now,” Mancuso said. “I stand for conservative values, limited government and individual liberty, and I believe the people of District 7 deserve the right to decide their nominee at the ballot box.”
The Alabama Republican Executive Committee is expected to consider the issue on Sunday, February 15. Mancuso warned that removing him from the ballot would leave voters without a contested Republican primary for the seat.
“That’s not the Republican way, and it’s not the American way,” he said. “Elections should be decided by voters, not by insiders.”
Yarbrough, who is seeking reelection, has highlighted his conservative voting record and local initiatives during his time in office. In recent posts, he has pointed to efforts such as countywide service days for elderly residents and those in need, grants awarded to local schools, support for volunteer fire departments and work to bring jobs and infrastructure investment to the district.
House District 7 includes Moulton, Hatton, Courtland, Leighton and portions of Morgan County. The Republican primary is scheduled for May 19. No Democratic candidates filed to run for the seat.
