Alabama Democratic Party Chair Accuses DNC of Racism; Doug Jones Denies Allegations as 'Trump-like' Rhetoric

Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley has accused the Democratic National Committee (DNC) of racially motivated actions in a dispute over convention delegates. In a letter sent to DNC Chairman Jamie Harrison, Kelley claimed that his preferred list of delegates was rejected by the national party due to racism and alleged that former Senator Doug Jones played a role in a scheme to prevent Black delegates from being elected.

Kelley’s letter, dated August 2, addressed what he described as a “race case,” insisting that the future of the Alabama Democratic Party is at stake. He accused Jones of orchestrating a plot to block the selection of Black delegates, asserting that the DNC’s actions were an attempt to undermine the state’s Black leadership.

Jones, however, categorically denied these claims, describing them as “total bullshit.” In an email response to AL.com, Jones dismissed Kelley’s accusations, equating them to “Trump-like false rhetoric” that lacked any factual basis. He suggested that Kelley and Joe Reed, the Vice Chairman for Minority Affairs and Kelley’s close ally, were upset because they were not able to control the delegation through their endorsements.

“Their so-called ‘challenge’ is really about maintaining their power and control,” Jones said. “They have consistently tried to stifle the diverse voices of the Democratic electorate in Alabama to keep their grip on power. It’s a shame that they continue to try to divide Democrats along racial lines when we should be united.”

The controversy centers around the DNC’s refusal to seat 36 convention delegates selected by Kelley and the Alabama Democratic Party’s executive committee. The national party instead approved a significantly different list, which Kelley argues undermines the state party’s authority and disproportionately affects its Black members.

The disagreement over delegate selection is part of a broader struggle between the Alabama Democratic Party and the DNC, reflecting long-standing tensions. The conflict dates back to 2018 when Jones, supported by the DNC, helped pass new bylaws that resulted in the replacement of former state party chair Nancy Worley with Chris England, a state representative. Control of the party shifted again in 2022 when Kelley, with Reed’s backing, was elected as the chairman.

Despite receiving a letter from Harrison urging the Alabama party to respect the DNC’s decisions and refrain from spreading misinformation, Kelley remains resolute. He reiterated his concerns in a public statement, emphasizing that Alabama’s Democratic Party, with its Black majority leadership, deserves to be treated with fairness and respect.

“Alabama has endured enough,” Kelley wrote, insisting that the state be granted the same rights and respect as any other state within the Democratic Party.