The founder and lead organizer of a small, ultra-liberal activist group based in Huntsville is hoping to sway voters in the upcoming Republican primary for Alabama Board of Education Place 8.
Melanie Kolowski, of Madison, who established Purple People Resistance in January 2025, has consistently attacked conservative educators, lawmakers and parents, labeling them as "extremists" for requesting increased parental rights in public school classrooms.
On Monday, Kolowski took a shot at GOP Place 8 candidate Emily Jones, as well as the conservative political organization, Moms for Liberty, calling it a "White Christian Nationalist Extremist group."
In a social media post, Kolowski asked local Republicans to vote against Jones.
"Moms For Liberty Leader Emily Jones wants you to forget that they are a White Christian Nationalist Extremist group hiding behind 'parental rights,'" wrote Kolowski. "This is not a Red or Blue issue. This is a Right VS Wrong. Check the comments for related material so you can decide for yourself, but I can almost guarantee after you see below, you will NOT vote for Emily Jones on May 19th. These women have spent the last 3 years harassing our librarians, library staff, library council, teachers, school staff, school counselors, city council etc."
Added Kolowski, "They are unhinged behind closed areas but try to hide their hate and bigotry behind religion and a fake smile in public. SHARE everywhere you can so people can make their own choices."
While Kolowski expressed vehement opposition to Jones in the post, she offered a glowing show of support for her opponent in the Republican primary, Connie Spears, calling Spears "very reasonable and lovely."
In March 2025, Kolowski unsuccessfully attempted to ambush U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) at his personal place of worship, hoping for a verbal confrontation. The political stunt led to a fawning piece from The Washington Post.
Alabama Board of Education Place 8 encompasses Madison, Jackson and Etowah Counties, as well as parts of Limestone and DeKalb Counties.
Wayne Reynolds currently holds Place 8. Alabama's primary elections are set for May 19.
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