Indian Springs orthopedic surgeon Chad Mathis made a lot of waves as a Republican candidate in Alabama’s 6th Congressional District, taking on multiple opponents at once with a barrage of ads pointing out their “sins against conservatism.” His campaign came up a few percentage points short of making it into the runoff, but with an op-ed on RedState.com today, Mathis is looking to still make his presence felt in the race.
“When I set out to run for Alabama’s sixth congressional district, I had a clear goal in mind – shaking up Washington regardless of who stood in the way,” Mathis wrote. “We must challenge the status quo and it’s clear that go-along to get-along Republicans aren’t willing to take that step. That’s why I offered myself up for service. I’m proud of the effort we ran and I couldn’t be more thankful for, and humbled by, the support we picked up from conservatives across the district, state, and country.”
Mathis said that his loss in the primary did not cause him to “throw in the towel or cease to stand up for conservative values,” but instead compelled him throw his support behind one of his former rivals.
“Far too much is at stake, and that’s why I’m supporting Gary Palmer in the runoff for Alabama’s sixth district,” Mathis wrote. “You get to know your opponents on the campaign trail. If there’s one thing that’s clear about Gary Palmer, it’s that he’s in the business of getting conservative results and doing the right thing, no matter who blocks the path. As head of the Alabama Policy Institute, he advocated for free-market principles – less spending, less regulation, and lower taxes – and stood on the frontlines of the conservative movement. Gary’s been a consistent proponent of improving government and cutting out the excesses, and he’ll tell Republicans when they’re in the wrong too.”
Mathis joins state Sen. Scott Beason (R-Gardendale) and businessman Will Brooke as former Republican 6th District primary rivals who are now supporting Palmer over state Rep. Paul DeMarco (R-Homewood) in the runoff.
“Gary’s tirelessly advocated for conservative values in Alabama for over two decades,” Mathis wrote. “He’s a veteran of the movement, and he’ll be able to make a difference on the first day in Congress. I have no doubt that he’ll go to Washington and be a consistent, rock-solid conservative who won’t kowtow at a time when we’re facing an onslaught on the American Dream.”
The 6th District runoff is set to take place July 15th.
Follow Cliff on Twitter @Cliff_Sims
