Alabama House of Representatives, District 54

 Neil Rafferty

Democrat: Democrat

Residence: Crestwood North

Professional experience: Has worked with Birmingham AIDS Outreach since 2013, including as B-CHIP program director since 2017 and education and prevention coordinator since 2015; membership services representative, MedjetAssist, 2011-2013; English and composition teacher, self-employed, 2011; corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, 2005-2009.

Civic experience: Community co-chair, HIV Prevention Network, 2016-present; subcommittee chair, Mayoral Meeting with Jefferson County HIV/AIDS Community Coalition 90/90/90; volunteer HIV tester and counselor, Spirit of Luke Charitable Foundation, 2013-present; volunteer counselor and health educator, 1917 clinic, 2012-present; founding officer, UAB Student Veterans Association, 2007-2010.

Education: Bachelor’s in political science, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Main issues: According to his campaign website, Rafferty says he would fight for Medicaid expansion in Alabama and environmental and social justice. He plans to work on bolstering health department tools and resources and develop health strategies in collaboration with the community. He states he would work to reduce food deserts, fight obesity, addiction and the opioid crisis. Rafferty pledges to focus on economic development for the district, affordable safe housing, and affordable education and healthcare. Rafferty wants to work for a livable minimum wage and provide specialized support for veterans, including job training, mental health services and education opportunities. The candidate says he would fight for better school funding and to support teachers and administrators. Rafferty supports environmental efforts to manage and protect natural resources. The candidate also says he would look for common sense solutions to the gun violence epidemic while respecting Second Amendment rights.

Top Contributors:

Top contributors: Alabama Education Association: $12,500. Alabama Hospital Association: $6,000. Environmental Campaign fund: $4,000. Trial: $4,000. Dr. Paul O’Leary: $4,000.

Campaign: https://www.raffertyforstatehouse.com/