Lee McInnis
Candidate, U.S. House Alabama District 3
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Lee McInnis (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Alabama's 3rd Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
McInnis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Lee McInnis was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1989. He earned a bachelor's degree from Auburn University in 1983, a graduate degree from Auburn University in 1987, and a graduate degree from Auburn University in 2024.
His career experience includes working as an intelligence officer and lead instructor.[1]
McInnis has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Indivisible Auburn/Opelika
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Branch 5038
- Auburn United Methodist Church
- National Eagle Scout Association
- American Legion
Elections
2026
See also: Alabama's 3rd Congressional District election, 2026
Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
Endorsements
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2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Lee McInnis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McInnis' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I was born in Birmingham, AL, and grew up in Homewood. My father was a Korean War veteran, and when he came home he worked in the Jefferson County Engineering Department until he retired. My mother came from a strong union family and was a 40-year member of the Communication Workers of America labor union. From them, I learned the value of hard work, the importance of respecting working people, and the importance of serving others above self.
I graduated from Homewood High School and Auburn University. I joined the US Army after Auburn and trained as an Arabic Linguist. I used the GI Bill to return to Auburn and earned a master's degree studying communications and international relations. I then began a twenty-eight-year career in the Defense Intelligence Community. I spent extensive time overseas, including time in Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, and Afghanistan. For myb service I received multiple awards, including the Joint Staff Civilian Commendation Medal and the Defense Intelligence Agency's Director Intelligence Medal.
When my wife's job moved us to Augusta, GA, I retired and took a job teaching at a local college. When she retired, we settled in Lee County, and I returned to Auburn to earn a Master of Arts in History.
My life has been dedicated to serving my country and its people. My time in the US House of Representatives will be a continuation of that service. - HEALTH CARE: In the richest country in the world, no one should lack for basic healthcare coverage. People should not have to decide between buying food and buying their prescriptions. No one should ever lose their house because a family member got sick. The GOP is stripping $1 trillion from healthcare. The effects, especially in our rural communities will be catastrophic. 83% of Alabama's rural hospitals are running at a financial loss. We will lose 20 rural hospitals, 50-60 nursing homes, and at least 200,000 and as many as 500,000 Alabamians will
lose their health insurance. Health care deserts already exist in rural Alabama. The GOP budget will ensure those deprived areas will grow and the health of our communities will suffer.
- EDUCATION: Every child in the US deserves a free, quality education in an environment free from violence. The Republican Party in Montgomery and Washington are constructing a two tier education system that will deprive vast numbers of children the opportunity for a quality education based solely on their families income and where they live. Children with learning challenges
will be denied a quality education. While this makes short term sense to some, in the long term it will prove disastrous for the country. Our single best hope of competing in the 21st century is to educate ALL our children to the highest standard. We most revitalize our technical education programs and ensure college is affordable for everyone who desires to attend
- ECONOMY: In the Alabama 3rd Congressional District, 17% of the population live below the poverty line, 2% higher than the state as a whole, and 6% higher the the nation as a whole. Already tariffs are causing rising prices and job loses. Our farmers, who have fought for generations to save their land, are seeing their crops rot in the field as overseas buyers turn to other sources. Independent, family farms, the bed rock of our rural communities, will disappear as the banks foreclose and the land is scooped up by large corporations.
The increased cost to import car parts, food, pharmaceuticals, clothing, and a host of other products will drive more and more people below the poverty line. We must build an economy that lifts all people.
VETERANS: As a disabled veteran, I am passionate about the care we provide those who have served our nation in the armed forces. Our veterans signed a contract. They agreed to defend our freedoms at the risk of their lives, and we agreed to provide them with quality healthcare upon their return from service. We need a robust Veterans Health Care System.
FAIR TAXES: Americans deserve a fair tax system. The working and middle classes have been shouldering the burden of funding government programs for too long. Small tax breaks for workers are short-term, while massive tax cuts for corporations and billionaires are permanent. ALL must pay their fair share in taxes so that all receive the benefits of prosperity.
My father was a Korean War veteran. He was an Infantry Company First Sergeant in one of the first racially integrated combat units in the United States Army. He returned from the war and began working for the Jefferson County Engineering Department, where he remained until his retirement. Even though he only had a high school diploma, he taught himself civil engineering and ultimately ran the biggest water treatment plant in the state, a job I have been told would probably require a master's degree today.
In the 1960s, in Alabama, my father believed that all people, regardless of their race or economic status, deserved respect and dignity if they contributed to society. He thought that the natural ally of a poor white man should have always been a poor Black man, and he despised politicians who tried to divide them to further their own political careers. My father, who never ran for
office, was a leader in our community, and he achieved that status simply because he was willing to serve without expecting personal gain. People respected my father; they sought his advice and accepted his leadership based only on his willingness to serve his community. First, open and free communication with constituents is an absolute must. An ability to listen to the voters without prejudice or preconceived judgments is also key. Additionally, the ability to prioritize the needs of voters and the country over one's own self-interest is essential.
A Member of the US House of Representatives has two core functions: to serve their constituents by passing laws and developing budgets, and to hold the Executive Branch accountable. To serve the people, they must also uphold the Constitution; obey all laws; and provide checks and balances to the other two branches of government.
Even though I was not often in a formal classroom environment, I have always considered myself a teacher and mentor. For my entire career in the Department of Defense, I worked with young people. I took pride in the fact that many of them would come to me for advice on their careers and their lives. Long after some of them had worked for me, they would reach out and let me know
that they had applied something they learned from my leadership to the team they were leading, and it had improved their team. Knowing that the lessons I taught are still resonating through the intelligence community is very gratifying.
At the age of four, my family ran into Governor George Wallace at the Alabama State Fair. I still remember the look on my father's face when Wallace reached out and took his hand, forcing him to shake hands with him. My father was opposed to Wallace's segregationist policies, and even at that age, I think I understood that set him apart from my friends' fathers. I don't know if my family running into Governor Wallace is truly "historic," but he was undoubtedly a historic figure and it made a significant impression on me.
During the summers after I graduated from high school, I worked on a county road crew patching roads in Jefferson County, Alabama. The job required working with asphalt to fill holes and cover degrading pavement on the rural roads outside of Birmingham. Physically, it was one of the most demanding jobs I ever had. The asphalt started at 300 degrees, and we were usually working in the sun during Alabama summers. I had the job every summer I was in college. While at the time I was not thrilled with the work, as I have grown older, I appreciate the fact that it taught me the value of labor and to respect everyone who works for a living.
"The Politics of Rage: George Wallace, the Origins of the New Conservatism, and the Transformation of American Politics" by Dan T. Carter. As a historian of the American South, I appreciate Carter's contributions to the field, which revolutionized the way Southern histories are written, but more importantly, Carter's exploration of the George Wallace phenomenon deepened my understanding of a period of time in Alabama that was essential in the development of my worldview
Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird." I read Harper Lee's book for the first time as a sophomore in high school. I've read it multiple times since then. Finch's resolute commitment to racial and legal justice, despite facing overwhelming opposition, is a characteristic I have always hoped to emulate. Now, some people would like to see "To Kill a Mockingbird" banned from our school libraries.
Once, during an annual performance review, my boss said this: "I think your performance in this incredibly high-stress job has been outstanding, but I am required to put something in the 'Needs Improvement' box.' So, I wrote, 'Mr. McInnis does not suffer fools lightly.'"
He was correct. That was 30 years ago, and I try to keep his words in my mind. Since then, I have focused on skills like consensus building, working toward compromises, active listening, and applying patience
The Founders saw the House of Representatives as the "Vox Populi," the voice of the people. The requirement for elections every two years means the members of the House should be acutely attuned to the needs and opinions of their constituents. Unfortunately, the massive amounts of money driving all campaigns have blunted that unique quality. I do not believe the Founders never envisioned a Member of the House serving in that body for over 20 years.
It is beneficial, but should not be a prerequisite. Many people serving in the House come from a variety of careers that benefit the institution. Medical professionals, individuals who have worked in environmental causes, those in the banking industry, farmers, and those in the agribusiness sector all have unique perspectives and experiences that would benefit the work of the House.
Politicians who place their personal self-interest ahead of the good of the nation. We must elect a class of servant leaders who prioritize the well-being of the country, the protection of our democratic institutions, and strive for cooperation across imagined boundaries to move this nation forward in what will be a challenging century, both domestically and internationally
Yes. The ability to turn the majority in the House quickly serves as a check to the Executive Branch. While the current administration won the 2024 election, it did so by a very narrow margin, and its policies are proving to be highly unpopular. Flipping the House in 2026 will serve as a check to the Executive and force a more moderate approach to governance.
In general terms, I do not support term limits, as they can thwart the will of the people. However, if we cannot implement campaign finance reforms, we must have term limits to ensure that elected officials truly represent the people, and not moneyed interest groups.
Lots of names come to mind. John Lewis is first on the list. His focus on peaceful resistance, the dignity of every person, and his quiet resolve should serve as a model for anyone who aspires to run for office. I hope to model his courage and willingness to sacrifice in doing what is right.
Representative, now Senator, Tammy Duckworth is the model of a servant leader. She has already sacrificed so much for her country, and yet she continues to serve with strength, dignity, and grace.
Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill sparred with President Reagan on almost a daily basis, yet he was never uncivil or divisive. He also reportedly said, "In America, all politics are local," and focusing on my constituents over party loyalty is something I would like to follow.
While I didn't agree with many of their positions, Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger demonstrated great courage and, at significant personal cost, stayed loyal to their oaths of office.
Finally, Sam Rayburn, a Texas Democrat, took significant political risks to push through Civil Rights legislation in the 1950s. I was talking to a man from Randolph County. Randolph is a rural county along the Georgia-Alabama border. We spoke about the dire situation in his county and the effect this administration was having on the people. Parents who knew their kids weren't getting the best education available but couldn't afford to move to a better school district. Workers in the county's three mills hadn't
received a meaningful pay raise in 30 years. Single mothers who wanted to work but couldn't afford daycare, even if it was available. The county's one hospital was in danger of closing due to the lack of funding, and since that hospital had closed its labor and delivery service, the closest place to have a baby was over 45 minutes away.
After nearly an hour, I asked him, "You're painting a pretty bleak picture. Is it that bad?"
He replied, "Randolph County has been on a precipice for years. If they pass this big beautiful bill, we're going over the edge, and ain't nothing going to stop it. That bill will destroy Randolph County and a lot of counties just like us."
The following week, Randolph County's Member in the US House of Representatives voted for the bill. When the bill came back from the Senate with even deeper cuts to the assistance Randolph County needs, he voted for it again.
That was when I decided to run for this office. Absolutely, but there are exceptions. The Constitution identified certain "inalienable rights" that should be non-negotiable. Any restriction on those rights should only be considered when there is a clear and compelling state interest. I would never accept the curtailment of another person's rights simply as a means to advance a program I advocated. In all other instances, cooperation and collaboration among parties, across regions, and between urban and rural representatives are essential for the efficient operation of the House.
The burden of taxes must be shared evenly across all segments of society. The working and middle classes have been carrying the burden of paying for this country for too long. We have to fix the tax code so that all, especially the ultra-rich and large corporations, pay their share. I'm asked all the time how I plan to increase government support for healthcare, education, and
infrastructure without expanding the deficit. My answer is always the same: "Make sure the ultra-rich and corporations pay their fair share."
The House of Representatives was designed to give the people an immediate voice in how their country is governed. A Member of the House has two principal jobs: to represent their constituents in the passing of laws and formation of budgets, and to hold the Executive Branch accountable for its actions. The House was never conceived as the servant of the President but rather as a
coequal. The House has a Constitutional requirement to serve as a check on executive power, and investigations are the principal tools for that purpose.
The House should also conduct investigations into issues of public interest that could lead to the enactment of new laws. New industries and challenges to the country are always on the horizon, and the House's investigative powers are an effective tool for gathering facts to support the legislative process. Please see my earlier response regarding the situation in Randolph County.
In the early days of Operation Enduring Freedom, I led a team of passionate young people tasked with providing support to troops on the ground in Afghanistan. My team was not made up of bureaucrats. They were young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civilians who were incredibly technically smart and passionate about their work. They found ways to push the regulations to get
the mission accomplished in new and creative ways. The hierarchy did not approve of their ideas of decentralizing processing and automating processes to get intelligence to the troops faster. The bureaucrats pushed back hard. It became my job to screen my team from the worst of the interference and fight for the resources that they desperately needed. In many ways, it could be a dispiriting job.
One day, a Navy Lieutenant Commander, whom I had spoken to on the phone a hundred times, returned from Afghanistan and stopped by the office to thank my team for all their support. Afterwards, we talked, and as we spoke, he heard my frustrations with the hierarchy and the struggle to provide support to the troops on the ground. He paused and looked at me. "Mac, you just have to know one thing. Thanks to the work you and your team are doing, Americans are coming home alive who probably would not have had you and your people not been working on this problem. Try to remember that."
I received many awards for my work. That was the most significant one by far. AI has the potential to cause as much upheaval in the economy and our culture as the industrial revolution did 250 years ago. The government must walk a very fine line. It is advantageous to everyone that the private sector be allowed to develop AI for the benefit of all. The government has the remit to ensure that this powerful tool is used for the advantage of the general public. During the Industrial Revolution, governments in many nations made numerous mistakes. The industry was allowed to run unchecked, and the needs of owners often trampled the rights of workers. The ultimate results were decades of labor and civil unrest. We must ensure that we do not make those mistakes again.
Since the Citizens United decision was handed down, spending in election campaigns has been out of control. Several actions need to be taken. The DISCLOSE Act needs to be reintroduced before the legislature to enhance transparency in campaign spending. Laws requiring shareholder consent before publicly held corporations can contribute to campaigns should be passed. Tax deductions should be offered for small contributions to campaigns, encouraging small donations and mitigating the impact of large donors.
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Campaign finance summary
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See also
External links
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 9, 2025
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