Val was born in Haiti and immigrated to New York in 1969. He attended LaGuardia Community College and Hunter College in New York, and later Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. He has a master's degree in healthcare management from Troy University. 

Dr. Valbrun (Val) Almonord is a physician who has worked in the Military Health Care System, first with the U.S. Air Force and later with the U.S. Army, retiring from Martin Army Community Hospital in Fort Moore (Fort Benning), Georgia. He served in the U.S. Army Active Duty and the U.S. Army Reserves. 

Val Almonord's campaign for US Representative is his first entry into politics. 

Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "Upon assuming office in 2021, President Biden inherited an economy in turmoil, declining employment, and a financial system teetering on the edge... Democrats... stabilized the financial system, averted a second Great Depression, and generated millions of new jobs."

Supports economic growth statewide, prioritizing small business investment, workforce education, and infrastructure to benefit all Georgians, aiming to enhance employment quality and remove success barriers.

The candidate's website says, "Largest federal employee union says Almonord will fight to protect workers’ rights."

The candidate's website says, "A thriving rural America is crucial for our country’s success... I endorse President Biden’s initiative to rejuvenate and establish a new rural American economy for our families and the next generation..."

The candidate's website says, "A thriving rural America is crucial for our country’s success. I endorse President Biden’s initiative to rejuvenate and establish a new rural American economy for our families and the next generation"

Supports job creation for disadvantaged Americans through youth programs, education, and opposes investment in the prison system. Advocates for union-led apprenticeships and job training to provide equitable opportunities and community service programs for youth.

The candidate's website says, "The rising costs of tuition and associated fees have outpaced wage growth, leaving students with substantial debt and reduced ability to repay it. This growing student loan debt has created widespread issues affecting the country’s social and economic well-being."

The candidate's website says, "Social Security was established to ensure a secure and dignified retirement... However, the current benefits are not keeping pace with the increasing costs associated with a decent retirement... Congress must act swiftly to adjust Social Security benefits accordingly."

Supports increasing Social Security benefits, opposes privatization and benefit cuts, and rejects raising retirement age to ensure dignified retirement and program sustainability for future generations.

Supports expanding collective bargaining, strengthening federal employee rights at the VA and TSA, and opposes privatization of federal jobs.

The candidate's website says, "Champion robust anti-discrimination laws to advance protections for all workers"

The candidate's website says, "AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers... AFGE represents nearly 108,000 federal employees in AFGE District 5..."

Supports economic security for all Georgians, advocates for relief to workers and small businesses, opposes tax cuts for wealthy, and aims to create jobs, rebuild infrastructure, and invest in clean energy and small businesses amidst COVID-19 challenges.

Wants to achieve high-quality employment post COVID-19 by investing in small businesses,  stimulating job creation, rebuilding our infrastructure, and investing in clean-energy technologies 

Supports job creation, revitalizing small businesses, and advancing equity in rural America. Advocates for farmers and promotes tax cuts for the middle class. Aims to expand healthcare and broadband access, invest in education, and address climate change.

Plans to rejuvenate rural American economy by revitalizing Main Street, advocating for farmers, addressing agricultural disparities,  expanding wireless broadband, and implementing middle-class tax cuts. 

Supports livable wages, safe work conditions, and the fundamental right to a secure workplace. Advocates for strong labor unions to bolster the middle class and improve job standards, and commits to fighting for workers' rights to organize and bargain.

Supports strong labor unions, livable wages, safe work conditions, and organizing the workplace. 

Opposes trade deals harming workers or promoting job export; supports labor rights, human rights, and environmental standards in trade with strict enforcement; plans to prioritize worker dignity over corporate interests in trade agreements.

Said, "If elected, I will oppose trade deals that encourage or facilitate the export of jobs overseas, depress wages, or result in capital flight. I also support a trade agenda that includes strong standards for labor, human rights, and the environment, along with robust enforcement mechanisms."

- Wants to achieve high-quality employment post COVID-19 by investing in small businesses,  stimulating job creation, rebuilding our infrastructure, and investing in clean-energy technologies 
- Plans to rejuvenate rural American economy by revitalizing Main Street, advocating for farmers, addressing agricultural disparities,  expanding wireless broadband, and implementing middle-class tax cuts. 
- Supports strong labor unions, livable wages, safe work conditions, and organizing the workplace. 
- Said, "If elected, I will oppose trade deals that encourage or facilitate the export of jobs overseas, depress wages, or result in capital flight. I also support a trade agenda that includes strong standards for labor, human rights, and the environment, along with robust enforcement mechanisms."

Economy

Supports environmental protection, pledges to combat climate change, preserve Georgia's natural resources, and promote green jobs, while advocating for policies that ensure clean air, water, and land for future generations and economic prosperity.

Said, "As your representative for the 3rd Congressional District, I will strive to:• Support the advancement of renewable energy, in line with Georgia’s initiatives...• Protect our communities from the impacts of climate change."

Supports the advancement of renewable energy

Believes climate change is a critical issue for the U.S., advocating for a transition to clean energy leadership, job creation, and cross-sector collaboration for a sustainable future.

Said, "We have made significant strides in combating climate change... The Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency have introduced new fuel economy standards, while the EPA has taken measures to regulate carbon dioxide emissions."

Said, "However, climate change remains one of our country’s most pressing challenges. Addressing this urgent threat could position America as a global leader in clean energy, creating prosperity through millions of green, well-paying jobs."

Wants to protect our communities from the impacts of climate change and ensure low-income communities do not bear the brunt of pollution.

- Supports environmental protection, pledges to combat climate change, preserve Georgia's natural resources, and promote green jobs, while advocating for policies that ensure clean air, water, and land for future generations and economic prosperity.
- Supports the advancement of renewable energy
- Believes climate change is a critical issue for the U.S., advocating for a transition to clean energy leadership, job creation, and cross-sector collaboration for a sustainable future.
- Said, "However, climate change remains one of our country’s most pressing challenges. Addressing this urgent threat could position America as a global leader in clean energy, creating prosperity through millions of green, well-paying jobs."
- Wants to protect our communities from the impacts of climate change and ensure low-income communities do not bear the brunt of pollution.

Energy & the Environment

Said, "American healthcare is in crisis, requiring someone with a deep understanding of science and healthcare systems to address its challenges and prioritize community health and safety."

Plans to collaborate with President Biden to enhance Medicaid, safeguard Medicare and Social Security, reduce healthcare costs, incorporate mental health services, and improve healthcare in underserved areas, with a focus on women's health.

Plans to work with President Biden to expand Medicaid, protect Medicare and Social Security, reduce healthcare costs, incorporate mental health services, improve healthcare in underserved areas, and allocating resources for women's health issues.

Supports women's reproductive rights as fundamental to human rights, advocating for access to comprehensive healthcare, including contraception, abortion, and maternal services, to ensure gender equality and societal participation without stigma or barriers.

Believes women's reproductive rights are fundamental to human rights, advocating for access to comprehensive healthcare, including contraception, abortion, and maternal services, to ensure the right to make informed choices without stigma or barriers.

Believes healthcare is a right, supports ACA and affordable access for all, opposes threats to coverage, and wants improvements highlighted by the pandemic's exposure of system flaws, ensuring health doesn't compromise financial stability.

Supports the Affordable Care Act and affordable access for all and wants to ensure health doesn't compromise financial stability.

- Said, "American healthcare is in crisis, requiring someone with a deep understanding of science and healthcare systems to address its challenges and prioritize community health and safety."
- Plans to work with President Biden to expand Medicaid, protect Medicare and Social Security, reduce healthcare costs, incorporate mental health services, improve healthcare in underserved areas, and allocating resources for women's health issues.
- Believes women's reproductive rights are fundamental to human rights, advocating for access to comprehensive healthcare, including contraception, abortion, and maternal services, to ensure the right to make informed choices without stigma or barriers.
- Supports the Affordable Care Act and affordable access for all and wants to ensure health doesn't compromise financial stability.

Healthcare

The candidate's website says, "Voting is a foundational principle of our democracy and should never be taken for granted... It’s crucial to focus not only on presidential elections but also on local representatives, as they shape federal policy..."

The candidate's website says, "– Be at least 17 1/2 years of age to register and 18 years of age to vote– Not be serving a sentence for conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude– Have not been found mentally incompetent by a judge"

Opposes the Citizens United ruling for increasing corporate influence through money in politics; supports a Constitutional amendment to eliminate this and reduce corruption, prioritizing American citizens' interests in the political system.

Opposes the Citizens United ruling, calling for a Constitutional amendment to eliminate this and remove big money from politics.

Plans to continue the Democratic legacy of protecting voting rights, referencing past legislation like the Civil Rights Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to prevent discrimination and expand electoral opportunities for all Americans.

Said, "From the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009 to John Lewis Voting Right Act to For the People Act, Democrats have fought to end discrimination in all forms. I plan to uphold that legacy."

Supports protecting voting rights, ensuring every individual has the freedom and opportunity to participate in elections, regardless of identity or political beliefs.

- Opposes the Citizens United ruling, calling for a Constitutional amendment to eliminate this and remove big money from politics.
- Said, "From the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009 to John Lewis Voting Right Act to For the People Act, Democrats have fought to end discrimination in all forms. I plan to uphold that legacy."
- Supports protecting voting rights, ensuring every individual has the freedom and opportunity to participate in elections, regardless of identity or political beliefs.

Voting & Elections

The candidate's website says, "Ensure fair treatment of all individuals in the criminal justice system."

Believes systemic bias in the U.S. criminal justice system leads to over-policing and overcriminalization, particularly in minority communities, and sees police violence as a significant and escalating issue.

The candidate's website says, "Protect LGBTQ+ individuals from violence and work to end the epidemic of violence against the transgender community, particularly transgender women of color."

Plans to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from violence and work to end the epidemic of violence against the transgender community, particularly transgender women of color."

- Believes systemic bias in the U.S. criminal justice system leads to over-policing and overcriminalization, particularly in minority communities, and sees police violence as a significant and escalating issue.
- Plans to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from violence and work to end the epidemic of violence against the transgender community, particularly transgender women of color."

Public Safety

Supports tuition-free public colleges, universities, community colleges, and trade schools for middle and low-income families, and modernizing education to reflect current job market demands beyond the outdated 12th-grade level.

Supports tuition-free public colleges, universities, community colleges, and trade schools for middle and low-income families, and modernizing education to reflect current job market demands

Believes growing student loan debt has created widespread issues that affect social and economic well-being.

- Supports tuition-free public colleges, universities, community colleges, and trade schools for middle and low-income families, and modernizing education to reflect current job market demands
- Believes growing student loan debt has created widespread issues that affect social and economic well-being.

Education

Supports comprehensive immigration reform, honoring history and values, and plans to enhance DACA/DAPA and create a citizenship path for undocumented immigrants.

Advocates for reinstating, expanding, and streamlining protections for DACA and DAPA recipients


Supports humane immigration policies, opposes private detention facilities, and wants to negotiate with foreign nations to reduce undocumented immigration. Plans to use existing monitoring tools and end unnecessary detentions if elected to Congress.

Supports humane immigration policies, opposes private detention facilities, and wants to negotiate with foreign nations to reduce undocumented immigration. 

Wants to work towards a legislative pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals already here.

Said, "As someone who legally immigrated to the United States in 1969, I believe our government must engage with undocumented individuals in a manner that reflects our values and respects human dignity."

- Advocates for reinstating, expanding, and streamlining protections for DACA and DAPA recipients

- Supports humane immigration policies, opposes private detention facilities, and wants to negotiate with foreign nations to reduce undocumented immigration. 
- Wants to work towards a legislative pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals already here.
- Said, "As someone who legally immigrated to the United States in 1969, I believe our government must engage with undocumented individuals in a manner that reflects our values and respects human dignity."

Foreign Policy and Immigration

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Val Almonord

Maura is from South Weymouth, Massachusetts. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Nuclear Medicine from Augusta University. Maura has lived in Fayetteville, Georgia for 28 years.

Maura is a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. She works at Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, where she has been for the past four years. She previously served in the US Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Maura Keller's campaign for US Representative is her first entry into politics.

Supports policies that address climate change.

- Supports policies that address climate change.

Supports abortion and said, "EVERYONE should have access to the care they need and have the right to make all decisions about their own body."

Supports expanding Medicare and Medicaid.

Wants to modernize Veterans' Affairs hospitals, improve their hiring system, and "address the fraud, waste and abuse going on in our VAs."

- Supports abortion and said, "EVERYONE should have access to the care they need and have the right to make all decisions about their own body."
- Supports expanding Medicare and Medicaid.
- Wants to modernize Veterans' Affairs hospitals, improve their hiring system, and "address the fraud, waste and abuse going on in our VAs."

Supports making Election Day a federal holiday so people can vote easier.

Opposes Georgia Senate Bill 202 and said it "has caused many ballot drop boxes to be moved indoors and be closed after business hours."

- Supports making Election Day a federal holiday so people can vote easier.
- Opposes Georgia Senate Bill 202 and said it "has caused many ballot drop boxes to be moved indoors and be closed after business hours."

Supports policies that prohibit discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.

Supports enacting gun safety legislation.

Supports criminal justice reform to address "serious issues with overcrowding, punishments that are too harsh, and lack of mental health support."

- Supports policies that prohibit discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
- Supports enacting gun safety legislation.
- Supports criminal justice reform to address "serious issues with overcrowding, punishments that are too harsh, and lack of mental health support."

Supports investing more money in public education.

Wants schools to have qualified mental health professionals.

- Supports investing more money in public education.
- Wants schools to have qualified mental health professionals.

Supports reforming the current immigration system to "to prevent those with criminal records from entering the country with ease."

- Supports reforming the current immigration system to "to prevent those with criminal records from entering the country with ease."

Instagram

Maura Keller

- Your US Representative represents the interests of your district in the US House of Representatives, the lower house of Congress. Georgia currently has 14 US Representatives.
- US Representatives can author, sponsor, debate, and vote on bills that become national law.
- Representatives may serve on congressional committees. Committees focus on certain policy areas, such as transportation, education, or labor. They may also run for higher positions within their party, such as the Speaker of the House or Majority/Minority Leader.
- Representatives are elected to two-year terms. To hold this office, a candidate must be a legal resident of Georgia and a US citizen for at least seven years before their election. US Representatives are paid a salary of $174,000/year.