The Issues
Craig Jelks brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience serving students, families, and communities. This background equips him with practical problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of everyday challenges, and a proven commitment to delivering results for Alabama. As an Independent, Jelks will answer only to the people of Alabama—not party leaders or special interests—and will prioritize policies that improve lives and move the state forward. His early service as a U.S. Senate Intern gave him firsthand exposure to the legislative process and the mechanics of federal governance. There are many challenges facing Alabama, but Jelks will concentrate his efforts on three priorities: Education & Workforce Development, Healthcare, and Affordability. By focusing on these areas, he aims to deliver tangible improvements that lift families and strengthen communities across the state.
Alabama ranks 45th in education. As an award-winning educator, Jelks is committed to offering solutions and reversing that trend. In a recent discussion, he emphasized the need to adapt instruction to today’s learners. “Teachers must recognize that the 21st century student learns differently. Students cannot be expected to thrive when confined to passive, monotonous classroom routines.” Jelks will champion federal investment in education—protecting and expanding Title I funding and directing grants to support rural districts.
Workforce development is intrinsically linked to education. Jelks recognizes that not every student will pursue a four-year degree, yet every Alabamian deserves a clear pathway to a prosperous future. He believes vocational training, apprenticeships, and career-technical education must be expanded and aligned with employer needs. Jelks will advocate for stronger partnerships between community colleges and industry to create apprenticeship pipelines and credentialing programs. He also supports targeted federal investments to fund workforce retraining and lifelong learning opportunities for workers at all stages of their careers.
Education & Workforce Development
Jelks is deeply committed to improving healthcare access for all Alabamians. He stated, “I want people to understand that the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ wasn’t beautiful for Alabama. Our rural hospitals face severe financial strain, and Medicaid cuts have left many residents with few options. This bill, which is now law, also increased the federal deficit by $2.8 trillion.” Jelks insists that a health crisis should never lead to personal bankruptcy. As senator, he will pursue pragmatic policies to strengthen rural hospitals and expand affordable coverage options. Jelks also supports increased federal investment in mental-health services and community-based care to ensure comprehensive healthcare across the state.
To further tackle the healthcare problem, Jelks wants to incentivize healthcare professionals to practice in underserved areas. He supports expanding telehealth infrastructure and broadband access so rural patients can receive timely care without long commutes. As senator, he will push for measures to reduce prescription drug prices and increase price transparency to protect consumers. Jelks also favors strengthening preventive care and public-health programs to reduce long-term costs and improve community well-being.
2. Healthcare
The strain on family budgets will be a central focus for Jelks as senator. As a father of three daughters, he can relate to the rising costs of groceries and household goods. “I would be honored to represent working-class Alabamians in Washington,” Jelks says. “Current political leaders must acknowledge how tariffs and certain trade policies are driving up prices for everyday families.” Research indicates that tariffs can raise overall price levels for consumers, with some analyses estimating an average annual cost increase exceeding $2,600 per household; Alabama farmers—particularly soybean producers—have also reported narrower margins linked to tariffs on key trading partners.
Jelks favors a commonsense approach to the situation—believing that every effort should be made at the federal level to bring economic relief to hard working Americans. He supports legislation that reduces consumer costs and protects domestic producers. Jelks exclaims, “We are overly focused on foreign policy when so many of our people are hurting.”