After winning one of Alabama’s highest-profile Republican legislative primaries, State Rep. James Lomax says he is shifting his focus from campaign politics to the issues he believes matter most to voters: affordability, education and preparing for another busy legislative session.

Lomax defeated former U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks with 61% of the vote in the Republican primary for House District 20, a race that drew statewide attention and became one of the most closely watched legislative contests of the 2026 election cycle.

Now, with the primary behind him, Lomax said he is ready to move toward the November general election while continuing his work in the Alabama Legislature.

“I do think that race received an outsized level of attention that was probably unnecessary because, at the end of the day, what matters most to the people that each of us in the House of Representatives represent is local issues,” Lomax said.

He said the campaign provided an opportunity to meet voters throughout the district despite the intense spotlight surrounding the race.

“It was really a blessing in disguise,” Lomax said. “We got to meet with so many of our voters face to face. We had a reason for many people to be excited again in a highly watched race.”

Lomax credited Brooks for running what he described as a spirited campaign and said he is eager to move forward.

“Kudos to Mo Brooks. It was an incredibly spirited campaign. But at the end of the day, I’m just excited to get that behind us and head on to the general election.”

Focus remains on affordability and education

As he begins campaigning for November, Lomax said conversations with constituents continue to center on cost of living, education and ensuring North Alabama remains a place where families can thrive.

“They’re thinking about their cost of living,” he said. “They’re concerned about the local school systems. They’re concerned about making sure there are opportunities for their children here in the city of Huntsville and the surrounding areas.”

Lomax said he intends to continue campaigning on the priorities that first brought him to office.

“We’re going to continue our economic development, make life more affordable for the people of Alabama and make sure we have the resources to educate our next generation at an extremely high level.”

Leadership role expands influence

In addition to representing House District 20, Lomax was appointed House Majority Whip in February, a leadership position responsible for helping coordinate Republican priorities in the Legislature.

He also serves on the influential House Rules Committee, which determines what legislation reaches the House floor.

“I’ve been extremely excited about what I’ve been able to work on in the Legislature,” Lomax said.

Among the legislation he highlighted was the school terrorist threat law, which took effect July 1.

As majority whip, Lomax said his responsibility is helping Republican leadership move legislation through the House while ensuring North Alabama has a voice in the process.

“I am very pleased to serve on the House Rules Committee because here in North Alabama that gives us a voice in what we’re actually going to be voting on on the floor of the House of Representatives,” he said. “Being able to make sure the priorities for Huntsville and Madison County get a pick from me is of utmost importance.”

Looking ahead to 2027

Although lawmakers are months away from returning to Montgomery, Lomax expects next year’s legislative session to be especially active.

Issues such as gambling, litigation reform and the state’s Simplified Sellers Use Tax are all expected to receive significant attention.

Lomax said he’s ready to roll up his sleeves.

“We campaign for this job to get to work, not just to sit around,” he said.

He acknowledged several new lawmakers will be joining the Legislature but said he has already begun working with incoming Republican nominees.

Lomax also expressed optimism about working with Alabama’s next governor, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville.

“I think Governor Tuberville has ambitious plans for the state of Alabama,” Lomax said. “I’m excited to help see many of those come into action.”

Encouraging voter participation

Lomax closed by encouraging residents to participate in the November election, noting that turnout during this year’s primary and runoff elections was relatively low.

“It’s America’s 250th birthday this year,” he said. “I just think it’s such a special honor to be able to go vote. We need the most people possible to be an informed populace and go make those decisions about who’s going to be leading our fine state.”

Lomax will face Democrat James Linderholm in the November general election for House District 20, which covers portions of southeast Huntsville and remains one of North Alabama’s reliably Republican legislative districts.

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