Running on conservative values and small government, one candidate for Alabama Congressional District 1 says he wants to ensure tax dollars are used wisely and leaders are held accountable.
Austin Sidwell is a small business leader and former U.S. Air Force Major. Although he was told he couldn't run a campaign without big-money backers, Sidwell said, "Challenge accepted."
"I don't take kindly to people telling me I can't do something," he said.
So, with a lot of prayer and faith, Sidwell jumped into a crowded race against former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) and others.
Sidwell is running on an America First platform, calling for practical, real-world leadership, transparency, free market solutions and common sense.
"Honestly, I just see our country at a point where we need honesty and integrity and the American people and are tired of the establishment politicians, they keep going up and and especially on the conservative side, going up and telling us they're going to do one thing and then getting embedded in Washington, DC and forgetting about the interest of the people back home," Sidwell told 1819 News.
Sidwell said those interests are diverse in the district.
"With the district change and adding the Wiregrass to our district, I mean, it's probably one of the most economically diverse districts in the country," he said. "You've got farming interests, military that surrounds the Wiregrass, and then Baldwin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country and just all the growth and everything that comes along with that, and the beach. Then you've got the Port of Mobile over there. So, the interests are broad, and they encompass a lot."
As a veteran and the vice president of Sidwell Protection Services, a business his parents founded more than 30 years ago, Sidwell said the district needs a representative who understands the vast needs of the people, and those are something he understands firsthand.
"I think 12 years flying helicopters in the Air Force and 6 of those being at Fort Rucker, uniquely qualifies me as someone who not only grew up in Baldwin County, has family roots in Mobile, but also served in the wiregrass," Sidwell said. "So, I'm one of the only candidates in this race that actually encompasses the entire district, and I think that we need more leaders in Congress that have military experience."
After experiencing life in other places during his Air Force career, Sidwell said South Alabama is home and a special place for his family.
He said as a Christian, he wants to be a voice for the next generation of leaders.
Sidwell is currently completing his final semester at Jones School of Law. He lives in Fairhope with his wife, Eva, and their three children, Peyton, Juliet, and Samson, where they are active members of First Baptist Church of Robertsdale and the surrounding community.
The Congressional District 1 seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), who is running for U.S. Senate.
The primary election will be held on May 19, 2026, and the general election will be held on November 3, 2026.
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