Colbert County Commissioner Tommy Barnes faces an uphill battle for U.S. House District 4 against long-time incumbent U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville).
However, Barnes appears to have something Aderholt doesn't: a growing support among Democrats who could cross party lines in the May 19 primary election.
Barnes was recently hosted by a left-leaning community group in Guntersville and has received campaign donations from at least one Democratic leader.
Billy Underwood, chair of the Colbert County Democratic Club, made a $300 cash donation to Barnes' campaign on January 9.
"I really like somebody that is the underdog, and I feel like Aderholt has been in that office for about 28 years, and there's no doubt in my mind a Republican is going to win that congressional seat," Underwood told 1819 News. "And I just felt like I would like to see that the underdog had a little bit of a chance."
Underwood said the Alabama Democrats have been doing a poor job politically, but the war in Iran could give them an issue to stand on come November.
"Look, I make no bones about it. I used to work for U.S. Senator Howell Efflin. The Democrats are really sucking in Alabama," he said. "But now I can't help but think attacking Iran isn't going to help the Democrats in the state, because it looks really bad. In other words, the Republicans were really doing super well, but they managed to go to the bathroom on their supper."
When asked about Underwood's donation, Barnes said, as a County Commissioner, he served all people, regardless of party affiliation.
"I have received checks and money without asking questions about whether my supporters align with either party," he said. "I just know that most are for term limits on both sides of the aisle… My minority support is great too, but I don't ask their party; I just ask for support."
Barnes also spoke recently to a group of potential voters in Guntersville at a Strong Coffee meeting. Though not an overtly political group, Strong Coffee's members are largely left-leaning.
During a March meeting where Democratic gubernatorial candidate Doug Jones made an appearance, group member Jeane McBride described Strong Coffee as for "Democrats, Independents and recovering Republicans."
The group also organized the recent No Kings protest in Guntersville with the help of the local Marshall County Democratic Club. Barnes said he was not aware of the protest and that it did not come up during the meeting he attended on April 15.
"It was awesome! A caring group that really connected to me and common issues related to utilities or energy; we agreed on healthcare profits that aren't published by insurance companies," Barnes said. "...I really believe I'm the best candidate regardless of party, and that's what we need in America to bring us back together and caring about each other. I left uplifted knowing that we are going to win together."
McBride described Barnes as "very reasonable" and said the group "enjoyed listening to him."
"It would be a good thing for all of us if we could begin communicating better with the 'other side.' Which is what Strong Coffee would like to promote," she told 1819 News.
Alabama currently has open primaries, meaning voters do not have to register with a party to participate in that party's primary election.
Closing primaries was a major issue during the 2026 State Legislative session. Though it received wide support from citizens and lawmakers, a bill that would have prevented crossing party lines to vote in a primary election failed in the Senate.
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