Surrounded by community members at the Best Western Plus Hotel on April 4, Hanu Karlapalem launched his campaign for Alabama House District 4, promising a “fresh start” for a region at the heart of the state’s high-tech corridor. The event, titled “Four-Four at Four for District Four,” signaled the start of a campaign focused on economic affordability and strengthening public institutions.
Karlapalem, a Democrat and local business owner, is challenging Republican incumbent Parker Moore in the general election on Nov. 3, 2026. During his remarks, he outlined a platform centered on three pillars: Economy First, People First, and Constitution First.
A Madison resident for 26 years, Karlapalem’s narrative is deeply rooted in his journey from India to the American South. Born and educated in India, he moved to the United States to build a career in technology, eventually earning a Master of Science in management information systems from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).
This “India connection” is a point of pride for the candidate, who often speaks of his immigrant experience as the foundation of his commitment to the American Constitution and the local community.
“I am running because the people of District 4 deserve new leadership,” Karlapalem told the crowd. “While Alabama families are tightening their belts, the supermajority legislature and special interests are tightening their grip. This campaign is about an Alabama we can afford.”
The kickoff event highlighted Karlapalem’s long-standing local ties. He previously served as the second vice president of the Limestone County NAACP and sat on the board of the UAH Alumni Association. His supporters at the event pointed to this history of service, ranging from his tenure in civil rights organizations to his role as a technology entrepreneur, as evidence of his readiness to tackle the district’s infrastructure and healthcare needs.
Karlapalem, who previously ran for Mayor of Madison in 2016, emphasized that his loyalty lies with the people rather than political parties or special interests.
His campaign priorities include lowering the cost of living for families, expanding access to healthcare, and providing robust support for public schools in Madison, Limestone, and Morgan counties.
As the race moves toward November, Karlapalem intends to leverage his background as a small business owner to advocate for smarter fiscal policies. With the campaign now in full swing, he faces the task of flipping a seat in a historically competitive district, relying on a message of inclusivity and pragmatic, data-driven governance.