Patrick Bishop

Patrick Bishop served in the U.S. Army from 1990 to 2017. Bishop earned an associate degree from Jefferson State Community College in 2002, a bachelor's degree from Columbia Southern University in 2009, and a law degree from the Birmingham School of Law in 2021.

Bishop's career experience includes working in advocacy and as a mediator.[1]

Bishop has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

Tau Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity

Geometry Lodge #410

Military Officers Association of America

Veterans of Foreign Wars (Cullman County)

Fraternal Order of Police (Cullman County Sheriff’s Office)

National Honor Society

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Major (Retired) Patrick “Pat” Bishop grew up in the Kingston area of Birmingham Alabama. He enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from Ramsay High School in 1990. MAJ(R) Bishop is a 1997 graduate of the Birmingham Police Academy. He was commissioned in 2004 through the Army’s Direct Commissioning Program. He is a recent graduate of the Birmingham School of Law.

Pat also completed training as a Mediator for the State of Alabama and uses it to help U.S. Veterans.

Pat’s military career spans over 26 years with multiple deployments. His final assignment was as Command Public Affairs Officer and Antiterrorism Officer for the 412th Theater Engineer Command (Vicksburg, MS). He holds an Associate Applied Science (Law Enforcement) from Jefferson State Community College, Bachelor of Science (Criminal Justice) from Columbia Southern University, Master of Arts (Criminal Justice) from Columbia Southern University, and an MBA-Public Administration (Public Information) from Columbia Southern University. He is an associate minister at Trinity Baptist Church of Birmingham. MAJ(R) Bishop also worked an officer with the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole from 2016-2019. MAJ (R) Bishop recently served as a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department Chaplain Deputy under Sheriff Mark Pettway. He has worked for the Cullman County Sheriff’s Department since 2021.

Patrick's favorite book is Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," published in January 1776.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Criminal Justice Reform: "Support efforts to strengthen law enforcement and include community service officers to meet the demands of citizens with psychological challenges “…Propose mandatory GED completion / TRADE training before inmates are released from ADOC custody!Illegal Narcotics: “Declare a full-fledged State of Emergency in response to the Opioid crisis. I will, after having spoken to Alabama residents, work to establish an Opioid Operational Command Center to break down traditional silos and allow for more rapid and effective coordination between state and local agencies.”Mental Health: I believe that we can do a better job in getting mental health care for those in need instead of relying on law enforcement to handle it.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I will work to help veterans by advocating for and signing state legislation that provides resources, housing, education, and employment assistance. I will partner with federal and local organizations to address specific needs such as mental health services, vocational rehabilitation, and support for homeless veterans. All to Make Alabama Better. It's common sense!

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The unique importance of a lieutenant governor's office stems from its role as a cross-branch officer, its power as a legislative leader, and its vital function in the line of succession. However, the specific powers and influence of the office vary significantly depending on the state's constitution and political traditions. A common and powerful function is the ability to cast a tie-breaking vote on legislation in the senate, giving them the ultimate say on certain bills.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Jesus Christ. I follow example as best I can, because I am a Christian.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty and Integrity

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for an elected official generally fall into three categories: representation, legislation, and constituency service, though the specific duties vary by office. Representatives advocate for their constituents' needs, vote on laws, and help citizens understand government workings. They also handle constituent complaints and provide assistance with government services.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of kindness and compassion. A person who lived a life and did his best to live up to the high ethical and moral standards as set by Jesus Christ.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

On January 28, 1986, Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, killing all seven crew members aboard. I was 14 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

United States Army for 26 years

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," published in January 1776. This was a powerful pamphlet arguing for American independence from Great Britain. It advocated for a government based on the consent of the governed, challenged the legitimacy of hereditary monarchy, and emphasized the need for immediate action. Paine's use of plain language and accessible arguments made the pamphlet highly influential in galvanizing public opinion in favor of independence.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Atticus Finch from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' would be a great fictional character to be because of his heroic qualities, such as integrity and a commitment to justice, qualities reflected in my own life role models. He offers invaluable life lessons that apply to both professional and personal development.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Watching the world that we live in lose the commonsense God gave them.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

As president of the senate, a lieutenant governor can directly shape policy and the legislative agenda. In Alabama, I will appoint committee chairs and decide which legislation moves forward, exercising significant power.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

As the second highest elected official, the lieutenant governor is central to political stability and the legal transfer of power.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe that every office of Lieutenant Governor and above should have military experience.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Have basic common sense. Know when to ask questions, and when to say "I don't know".

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

either / or

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

13-year-old D.J. Daniel, who was sworn in as an honorary Special Agent by President Donald Trump in March 2025, fulfilling a lifelong dream for the boy who battled and beat brain cancer.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Retiring from the Army Major after 26 years of honorable service to this country.