2022 Primary Election Guide--Jefferson County, AL

Election Guide Jefferson County Primary Election May 24, 2022

Dear Reader, At Greater Birmingham Ministries, we seek to serve people, build community, and pursue justice. We offer direct services (call 205-326-6821 for more information) and organize our community to change systems. Learning about our representatives and voting if eligible are ways to build power and impact issues important to us. We offer you this Election Guide as a useful, non-partisan tool for the Primary Election on May 24, 2022. As a non-partisan organization, we do not endorse any candidate or political party. Rather, we aim to provide balanced information about the candidates, offices, and voting logistics so community members can decide who to vote for and make plans to cast their votes.

This guide was created by GBM’s program The Exchange, a group of people under 40 that gathers monthly to discuss justice issues and what we can do locally. A team of organizers and volunteers researched the offices, sent candidates surveys to all candidates for whom they had contact information, and used the survey responses and their own research to write biographies for each candidate. The completed surveys are available on our website, gbm.org.

I want to call your attention to some features of the guide: • Pg. 3 provides information about voting rights after a felony conviction.

• On pg. 4, follow the flowchart for steps you can take to prepare to vote.

• See pg. 8 for tips on voting early or by mail using Alabama’s absentee voting system.

• Starting on pg. 9, you will find information about the Primary Election candidates.

Please also keep in mind these very important dates: Last day we recommend mailing an absentee ballot application

April 30, 2022

Last day to register to vote for the Primary Election

May 9, 2022

Last day we recommend mailing an absentee ballot

May 10, 2022

Last day to vote absentee in person

May 19, 2022

Deadline to hand deliver an absentee ballot

May 23, 2022, close of business

Primary Election Day

May 24, 2022

Last in-person day to register to vote for the Runoff Primary

June 3, 2022

Primary Run Off Election (if necessary)

June 21, 2022

Last day to register to vote for the General Election

October 24, 2022

General Election Day

November 8, 2022

Thank you for participating in our democracy.

Scott Douglas Executive Director, Greater Birmingham Ministries 2

“I have a felony conviction. Can I vote?”

Most felony convictions (felony drug convictions, for example) DO NOT prevent you from registering to vote in Alabama. For most of the felony convictions that disqualify you from voting, there is a process for restoring your voting rights so you can register. Have you completed your sentence including probation, parole, or community supervision? Have you paid all fines, fees, or restitution on the disqualifying convictions? If the answer is “yes,” you can apply to have your voting rights restored.

GBM will help you determine your voting eligibility and walk you through the process of registering or restoring your right to vote. Contact us at 205-304-0481 or gbmvotes@gbm.org.

You can also visit return-my-vote.com for more information.

What is a Primary Election?

Political parties use primary elections to select who will represent their party in the General Election. There may also be state constitutional amendments on the ballot.

At your polling place on the day of the primary, you must choose a political party, and you will be given a ballot with the candidates of that party and the proposed constitutional amendments. If you do not choose a party, you will receive a ballot with only the amendments.

The party or candidates you choose in the primary do not limit who you get to vote for in the General Election. In the General Election, you may vote for candidates from multiple parties.

Note: Candidates running unopposed in their party will not appear on the primary ballot and are not included here. They will be included in our General Election Guide.

Ballot Measures in the 2022 Primary Election Amendment One:

This amendment authorizes the state to issue $85 million in bonds for improving, renovating, constructing, and maintaining public historical sites and state parks excluding the Confederate Memorial Park in Marbury, AL.

I will be voting: ☐ Yes ☐ No

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Yes

Do you have a previous felony conviction you believe disqualifies you?

You may still be eligible!

See pg. 3 for more information about voting after a felony conviction. Regardless, you can still be involved—see Step 6.

Are you a US Citizen?

You’re eligible!

Make a plan for how you will vote!

Polling location: ____________________________________

Check your registration status and polling location at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview.

While you’re there, use the drop down “Districts” menu to see your voting districts (you’ll need them in step 4).

Register to vote!

If you have a valid Alabama’s Driver’s License, or Non-Driver’s License, you can register online at sos.alabama.gov.

Paper forms are available at the Board of Registrar’s office (call 205.325.5505 or visit them at the Jefferson County Courthouse).

However, you can still be involved.

Skip to Step 6.

You are not eligible.

No

Yes

No

Check your eligibility to vote! Will you be at least 18 years old on Election Day?

Ye s

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Preparing for Election Day

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You may want to take Covid-19 precautions by maintaining physical distance, wearing a mask, sanitizing your hands, and bringing your own black ball point pen.

Don’t forget your mask!

Person 3:____________________

Person 2:____________________

Person 1:____________________

Decide what friends or family members you can encourage to vote or take with you to the polls:

Use the buddy system!

(Polls are open 7 am to 7 pm) .

Morning Lunchtime Evening

Decide what time of day you’ll vote.

• •

• • • • •

You can get a free Alabama Voter ID through the Board of Registrars (205.325.5550) or the Secretary of State (334.242.7200).

Driver’s license or non-driver ID Alabama Photo Voter ID Card US Passport Government Employee ID Student or Employee ID from a public or private college or university in the state of Alabama (or a state institution of higher education in another state).

Valid Military ID Valid Tribal ID

Remember your photo ID. To vote you need a valid government-issued ID. This could be:

Continue to Step 4 on the next page...

See pg. 8 for more information.

You may vote by mail or vote in person before Election Day if you meet certain criteria.

Decide if you will vote absentee.

If you need to request a free ride, reach out to the Poor People’s Campaign at 205.677.6107 or alabama@poorpeoplescampaign.org.

Make arrangements for transportation. Will you:

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4 If you did not do so in Step 3, look up your polling station at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview and make note of your districts.

County Commission:___________ State House:___________ County School Board:___________ State Senate:___________ Jefferson County Division:___________

Do your own research about the candidates.

Use this Election Guide to learn more about the offices and candidates starting on pg. 9.

What does this office have control over? What issues are important to you in their area of influence?

Research the office.

Use other resources to compare candidate’s platforms with their voting records.

Check out their voting record.

Look up the candidate’s website and social media or request materials. Where do they stand on issues that are important to you? How do different candidates compare to each other?

Check out the candidate’s platform.

Look up your sample ballot, found on sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/2022-primary-election-sample-ballots.

Find your county and choose which party’s primary you will vote in. Some races on the sample ballot are state or county-wide; use the district information you wrote down above to check which district races apply to you.

Learn more about what will appear on your ballot.

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Look into Campaign Finance.

If you want to dig even deeper and look into where each candidate gets their funding, that information is readily available on the Alabama Electronic Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA) Reporting System website.

Information on campaign contribution limits are also available. Consider the number, the sizes, and the sources of the contributors.

Ask questions like: How have they voted on related issues important to me? How does their record differ from their stated platform?

If the candidate has held a previous legislative office, ballotpedia.org and GovTrack.us are good resources to use. If the candidate held a state legislative office, you can use legislature.state.al.us.

Contact Amanda at amanda@gbm.org or 205.623.5858 to see how you can partner with us in our Systems Change and voter engagement work.

Volunteer with Greater Birmingham Ministries!

Decide how you will vote. You can mark up your sample ballot and/ or this guide and bring it with you to vote.

Beware of false information and false political ads!

A lot of websites aim to spread false information, and political ads don’t have to be true to be shared, so exercise caution and skepticism.

Consider whether the source is reputable and see what other news outlets are saying about the same topic.

Attend candidate forums or townhalls.

Candidate forums can be a great way to get to know your candidates.

Come prepared with questions you’d like to ask.

Voting Absentee People who meet certain criteria can use our absentee system to vote by mail or vote in person before Election Day. This election has no special Covid-19 provisions for absentee voting. You may vote absentee if you: • will not be in Jefferson County on Election Day. • are ill or have a physical disability that prevents you from going to your polling place.

• are an Alabama voter living outside of Jefferson County, such as military personnel, someone living outside the U.S., or a college student.

• are an election officer or poll watcher at a polling place different from your own.

• work a required shift that is 10 or more hours and coincides with poll hours.

• are a caregiver to a family member confined to their home.

• are currently in prison or jail and have not been convicted of a disqualifying felony.

Vote Absentee by Mail 1. Get an absentee ballot application. Find it on alabamavotes.gov OR call your Absentee Election Manager (see below for phone number).

2. Fill out the application. Choose “Primary Election.” Choose your preferred political party, write a different party beside “Other,” OR choose “Amendments Only.” Choose the reason that best applies to you. Make sure you sign the application (no witness necessary).

3. Mail the application and a copy of your photo ID to your Absentee Election Manager.

See pg. 5 for a list of eligible IDs. Use one envelope per application.

4. When your ballot arrives, fill it out with a black ball point pen, then seal it in the proper envelopes. Your ballot could take a week or more to arrive. Seal your completed ballot in the secrecy envelope, then seal your secrecy envelope in the affidavit envelope.

5. Recruit a notary or two witnesses and sign and fill out the affidavit. This step is essential to having your ballot counted.

6. Seal your affidavit envelope inside the pre-addressed envelope and return your ballot.

You can mail it with three stamps via USPS, mail it via a commercial carrier, or return it in person at your Absentee Election Manager’s office.

Note: if you apply for your absentee ballot but do not turn it in, you still have the right to vote in person. If the poll worker says you are marked as absentee, ask for a provisional ballot.

Vote Absentee in Person Until May 19, you can do the whole absentee process from application to turning in your ballot in person at your Absentee Election Manager’s Office. Call ahead to verify which one you should visit.

Absentee Election Managers Birmingham 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N Room 500 Birmingham, AL, 35203 (205) 325-5313 Hours: M-F, 8 am to 5 pm

Bessemer 1851 2nd Ave. N., Bessemer, AL 35020 (205) 497-8513 Hours: M-F, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

After Election Day, visit myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview to check the status of your absentee or provisional ballot.

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Offices and Candidates in the 2022 Primary Election We are a 501(c)3 organization and do not endorse any candidates.

*indicates candidates who failed to complete our survey

United States Senator Each state elects two Senators to serve in the U.S. Congress. Senators serve six-year terms with staggered elections. A senator’s work includes debating bills (proposed laws), proposing amendments (changes) to bills, and representing the interests of people in their state or district.

☐ Will Boyd, D, has a B.S. in Engineering from the University of South Carolina, an MBA from Regis

University, and three doctorates in Religion, Organization and Management, and Psychology. He is the Bishop of Zion Ministries and pastor of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. He was the first African American elected to the Greenville, IL, City Council and has worked in higher education. In Alabama Boyd ran for Lieutenant Governor in 2018, U.S. Representative in 2016, and U.S. Senator in 2010.

Boyd pledges to grow the middle class and end poverty, improve student success, ensure access to affordable healthcare, protect voting rights, promote equal justice, and protect the environment.

☐ Brandaun Dean, D, holds a B.S. in Political Science from Howard University, interned for

Representatives Artur Davis and Terri Sewell, organized with the American Federation of Teachers and SEIU, and co-founded Campaign X. Dean became the youngest mayor of Brighton, AL, in 2016 and served for one year. Dean’s priorities include reparations for descendants of enslaved people, the Green New Deal, funds for HBCUs, prison reform, an increased minimum wage and higher salaries for teachers, and healthcare.

☐ Lanny Jackson, D, served 21 years in the Army, worked in management, and retired from UAB.

He received an A.S. in General Education from Troy University and a B.A. in Political Science from Miles College. He participated in the Belview Heights Neighborhood Association and ran for Mayor of Birmingham in 2017. Jackson wants to develop a fair tax code for the middle class and make bipartisan deals to benefit all Alabamians. He supports congressional term limits, changes to how Supreme Court Justices are selected, education that prepares children for 21st century jobs, and an infrastructure funding process that doesn’t overburden smaller municipalities.

☐ Lillie Boddie, R,* lives in Florence, AL, and is an Army veteran. In her statement of candidacy, she says she has no intention of having a campaign committee or raising money. She suggests donations go to start a foundation, especially in North Alabama.

☐ Katie Britt, R, received her undergraduate degree in political science from UA and JD from the

UA School of Law, and she worked as an Attorney at Butler Snow, LLP. Britt has served Senator Richard Shelby as Press Secretary, Deputy Campaign Manager, and Chief of Staff. Britt most recently served as President and CEO of Alabama’s Business Council. Britt pledges to advocate for “smaller government, modern job growth, constitutional liberties and greater opportunity,” to “improve education, mental health resources and broadband access,” and to combat the drug epidemic.

☐ Mo Brooks, R,* currently serves as a U.S. Representative; he was first elected in 2010. Brooks

received a degree in Political Science and Economics from Duke University and a JD from UA. Brooks has worked in private practice and held several elected and appointed positions, such as prosecutor, State Representative, District Attorney, and Madison County Commissioner. Brooks has an A lifetime rating from the National Rifle Association. Brooks has recently sponsored bills like the Freedom to Fly Maskless Act of 2022 and the Defund Federal Vaccine Mandates Act. He describes himself as “MAGA Mo Brooks,” although Trump pulled his endorsement this year.

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☐ Karla M. Dupriest, R, received her B.S. in Accounting from the University of Arkansas. Dupriest

owns Chris & Carla’s Heavenly Ribs & Catering. She is a long time Republican party member and has volunteered in various roles in the party. Her campaign is focused on supporting small businesses, school choice, a strong military, and veterans rights and benefits.

☐ Mike Durant, R,* is a 22-year Army veteran and a former prisoner of war. He has a B.S. in

Professional Aeronautics and an MBA in Aviation. Durant founded Pinnacle Solutions, Inc., an aerospace company where he served as CEO until transferring control to employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Durants says he is “100% pro Trump,” is pro-life, opposes mask mandates, supports the Second Amendment, seeks to build the border wall, and plans to include social media companies in the Communications Decency Act.

Governor of Alabama The governor is the head of the executive branch of Alabama and is elected every four years, with a two term limit. The governor suggests legislation to the state legislature and can veto bills passed. The governor supervises state executive officers and agencies, convenes extra sessions of the legislature, and proposes a balanced budget to the legislature and vetoes specific lines of the budget bill passed. The governor also remits fines and forfeitures and grants reprieves, paroles, commutations of sentence, and pardons. The governor is the commander-in-chief of Alabama’s military forces, including Alabama’s Army and Air National Guard and the Alabama State Defense Force.

☐ Yolanda Rochelle Flowers, D, originally from Birmingham, holds an A.A. in Speech from

Pellissippi State Technical Community College and a B.A. in Audiology and M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from UT Knoxville. She has worked in public education as a Reading Instructor; Speech and Language Pathologist Assistant; Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; and Substitute Teacher.

Her campaign prioritizes reconstructing Alabama through the lenses of education, healthcare, and criminal justice reform. She was Secretary for the Oak Ridge Park Neighborhood Association.

☐ Malika Sanders Fortier, D,* originally from Selma, received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from

Spelman College and a J.D. from Birmingham School of Law. She is currently an Alabama State Senator. She is an attorney at Chestnut, Sanders, and Sanders, LLC, and has worked at the 21st Century Youth Leadership Movement and at Grassroots Democracy. She has served on the boards of the Selma Center for Nonviolence; the Southern Partners Fund; and the Highlander Center. She is the daughter of Former State Senator Hank Sanders.

☐ Patricia Salter Jamieson, D, originally from Atmore, AL, has lived in Jefferson County for over

40 years. She attended Jefferson Davis Junior College, UAB, and Birmingham Theological Seminary.

She holds a BS in Biopsychology Health and Development and is a Licensed Practical Nurse and an ordained minister. Her priorities would be equity in education, wage increases, reduction in health care disparities, accessible and affordable mental health programs, and prison reform.

☐ Arthur Kennedy, D, is a graduate of Troy University and an 25-year Army Veteran. He works

in the Dothan School System as a substitute teacher. He says his campaign focus is “equality of life, education, minimum wage, budgeting, health care and prison reform.” He is in favor of year-round school, supporting high schoolers going to college, paroling non-violent offenders sooner, and more limits on gun ownership and sales. He is against building new prisons, the lottery, and the grocery tax.

☐ Chad “Chig” Martin, D, is from Enterprise, AL. He graduated from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. He is the owner of Thunder Industrials, Honeysuckle Hemp, and Martin Mobile Homes.

His stated priorities as governor would be recruiting high tech jobs throughout Alabama, supporting an educational lottery, creating an advisory panel of Alabama doctors and nurses, stopping pollution of lands and waters, and legalizing and taxing the sale of marijuana.

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☐ Doug “New Blue” Smith, D, is a resident of Montgomery. He studied Math and Economics

in undergraduate and graduate school. He served as Chief Administrative Assistant to Governors Lurleen Wallace and Albert Brewer. Smith names Covid-19, hyperinflation, the gas tax, and falling wages as challenges facing Alabama. Smith previously ran for Governor, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industry, and State Senator.

☐ Lindy Blanchard, R,* received a B.S. in Mathematics from Auburn University. Blanchard served

as the U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia from 2019 to 2021. She co-founded the 100x Development Foundation and B&M Management, a real estate company. Blanchard supports school choice, ending mask mandates and school closures, lowering taxes, and supporting the Second Amendment.

☐ Lew Burdette, R, studied Finance at UA. He served as the COO and Executive Vice President of

Books-A-Million. Burdette is the President of King’s Home, a Christian non-profit that helps victims of abuse and neglect, and he founded Kindred, Christian retail superstores. Burdette’s priorities are improving education, ending political corruption, and creating jobs.

☐ Stacy Lee George, R, attended Calhoun State Community College. He was the first Republican

County Commissioner since Reconstruction in Morgan County, where he served from 2000 to 2008.

George is currently a Correctional Officer at Limestone Correctional Facility. George ran for Governor in 2014. George’s platform includes veteran support, second amendment protection, 2019 gas tax repeal, prison reform, workforce development, and healthcare reform.

☐ Kay Ivey (Incumbent), R,* received a degree in Secondary Education from Auburn University.

She has served as Alabama State Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor. She became Governor in 2017 after Governor Bentley’s resignation and was elected in 2018. Ivey was the first Republican woman elected as Lieutenant Governor. Ivey is a pro-life candidate with a platform of improving education, supporting veterans and the Second Amendment, and increasing job opportunities for Alabamians.

☐ Tim James, R,* received a B.S. in Finance from Auburn University, where he played football.

He is the president of Tim James, Inc., a private toll road development company. James has run for Governor twice, and his father Fob James was Governor. James supports improving education, stopping the spread of casinos, implementing tax cuts, and opposing undocumented immigration. He is against Critical Race Theory in schools, trans participation in sports, and trans-affirming education.

☐ Donald Trent Jones, R, is from Alabama and is an entrepreneur and yoga enthusiast. According

to his Facebook, Jones supports legalizing marijuana, repealing the gas tax, bringing the lottery to a popular vote, and letting individuals decide whether to wear masks or be vaccinated against Covid-19.

☐ Dean Odle, R,* attended Troy University. He founded the Fire & Grace Church and School of

Ministry in Opelika, Alabama. Odle’s platform includes stopping communism, opposing what he calls the “New World Order,” protecting First and Second Amendment rights, and ensuring election integrity.

Odle believes the Covid-19 pandemic was planned and opposes mask and vaccine mandates.

☐ Dave Thomas, R, received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of

Montevallo. He served in the Alabama House of Representatives (1994-2002) and ran for Secretary of State in 2002. In 2020, Thomas was elected mayor of Springville, AL. Thomas’s priorities include legalizing marijuana, abolishing grocery taxes, repealing the state income tax, freezing the gas tax, establishing school choice, and creating workforce development strategies.

☐ Dean Young, R,* is a businessman and received a Bachelor’s from the University of Southern

Mississippi. Young previously ran for Congress in 2013 and 2016 where he lost both elections. Young supports the addition of the Ten Commandments in Alabama public schools and state buildings. His platform also includes improving education and reducing taxes and tolls.

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Alabama Supreme Court Justice The State Supreme Court is Alabama’s court of last resort. It has jurisdiction over decisions made by the lower courts. The Alabama Supreme Court also reviews the nation’s laws and judges whether they are allowed under the Constitution, as applicable to the state. Each justice is elected in partisan elections every six years.

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☐ Greg Cook, R, grew up in Florence, AL. Greg attended Duke University and Harvard Law School.

Afterwards he began practicing law in Birmingham, including trying jury trials, bench trials, and arbitrations. Greg has served in leadership roles for the Jefferson County and Alabama Republican Parties, and he has been Legal Counsel to the Jefferson County GOP and General Counsel for the Alabama Republican Party. In those roles, he has tried election law cases, conducted a recount, and handled election disputes. Cook says judges should apply the Rule of Law instead of being an activist on or legislating from the bench, and he supports free and fair elections.

☐ Debra Jones, R,* is from Alabama and graduated from UA and the Cumberland School of Law.

She has served as Circuit Court Judge in Alabama’s 7th Judicial Circuit since 2011. She has also served as a prosecutor and a lawyer in private practice. She co-founded the Calhoun-Cleburne Children’s Advocacy Center. Jones says she believes in conservative values and is pro-law enforcement, progun, and pro-life.

Auditor The role of the Auditor is to maintain accurate records of all state personal property valued at $500 and above, as well as items deemed sensitive. The State Auditor’s office is the check and balance between the Comptroller’s Office and the State Treasury. The Auditor also makes reports about taxes and revenues paid into the treasury and audits the records of the Treasurer and the Department of Finance.

☐ Stan Cooke, R,* is pastor of Kimberly Church of God in Kimberly, AL, and president of the mission

organization Abraham’s Promise. Cooke has a Bachelor’s degree from Lee University, Master degrees from UAB and the Institute of Jewish Christian Studies, and a dual degree Ph.D. from UA and UAB. Cooke cites his experience in warehousing and conducting inventories as preparation for the Auditor position. Cooke aims to protect taxpayer dollars and property, cut wasteful spending, and demand accountability and transparency. Cooke previously ran for Auditor in 2018, Lieutenant Governor in 2014, and U.S. Representative in 2010.

☐ Rusty Glover, R,* from Mobile, served one term as State Representative and three terms as State

Senator, including as Majority Whip. Glover has supported the end of Common Core in schools, higher penalties for DUIs, and an appointment system to reduce special elections to save state money.

Glover taught high school history for 25 years and works on anti-drug and alcohol campaigns for students. Glover is a member of the National Rifle Association. As Auditor he says he aims to bring integrity and conservative leadership to keeping inventory of state property. Glover previously ran for Lieutenant Governor in 2018.

☐ Andrew Sorrell, R,* grew up in Muscle Shoals. He holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management

from the University of North Alabama. Since 2018, Sorrell has served as the State Representative in District 3. He co-founded Infinity Textbooks; owns Gold, Guns, and Guitars; and has worked as a real estate investor. He says he supports Second Amendment gun rights, religious liberty, and small government. Sorrell has sponsored “Constitutional Carry” legislation, supported abortion restrictions, and opposed fuel tax increases. Sorrell served as the chairman of the Alabama Trump Delegation at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

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Attorney General The Alabama Attorney General is the legal representative for the state and its officers, departments, and agencies and can offer legal advice to those entities. The AG defends the state in lawsuits and represents the state in court when the constitutionality of a state statute is challenged. The AG may also initiate civil and criminal court action to protect the state’s interests or enforce state law. They can take over prosecution of any state criminal case.

☐ Steve Marshall (incumbent), R,* was appointed Attorney General in 2017 by Governor

Bentley and was then elected for a full term in 2018. Marshall received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina and his J.D. from the UA School of Law. Marshall has previously served as District Attorney for Marshall County and has worked as a prosecutor, in private practice, and as a legal analyst.

☐ Harry Bartlett Still, III, R,* is an attorney in Daphne, AL. He graduated from Auburn, Troy, and

the Birmingham School of Law. Still promises to improve prisons, reform law enforcement, advocate for a new state constitution that includes home county rule, fight corruption, and support concealed carry of firearms without a permit.

Secretary of State The Secretary of State is the “Chief Election Officer” of Alabama and oversees elections, certifying vote totals, ballots, and campaign finance information. They administer state and federal election laws. In addition, the Secretary of State maintains legislative and other government records, registers businesses and trademarks, and is the Governor’s personal notary public.

☐ Wes Allen, R,* has a B.A. from UA and an M.A. from Troy University. He currently serves as State

Representative (elected in 2018). His father is a State Senator, and they are the first father and son to serve in the Alabama Legislature simultaneously. In 2009 Gov. Bob Riley appointed Allen as probate judge; he won election to the position in 2012. In 2022, he sponsored a bill outlawing gender-affirming medical treatment for trans children. He is endorsed by the Business Council of Alabama’s political affiliate, ProgressPac. Allen opposes mail-in ballots, no excuse absentee voting, and early voting.

☐ Christian Horn, R,* is a business owner living in Huntsville and holds a Bachelor of General

Studies from the University of Michigan. He has been the chairman of the Tennessee Valley Republican Club, a voting member of Madison County Republican Party Executive Committee, and the North Alabama Outreach Director of the Alabama GOP. In 2014 he ran for the Alabama House of Representatives. Horn believes the 2020 presidential election was stolen and traveled to various states to discuss potential voting irregularities with election officials. He supports voter ID requirements and promotes “Critical Faith Theory” over “Critical Race Theory.”

☐ Ed Packard, R, holds a B.S. and a Master’s of Public Administration from Auburn University. He

has held various positions in the Secretary of State’s office since 1997, most recently as Administrator of Elections. In those positions, he was charged with assisting voters and candidates as well as with providing training on election laws to probate judges, circuit clerks, Boards of Registrars staff, and sheriffs. He ran for Secretary of State as a Democrat in 2006. Packard says he has four goals: 1. postelection audits, 2. getting investigatory authority to assist in combating voter fraud, 3. banning remote connectivity to voting machines to increase security, and 4. allowing Alabamians to opt out of the Secretary of State selling their voter data.

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☐ Jim Zeigler, R,* is a lawyer in his second term as State Auditor of Alabama, serving since 2015.

From 1974-1978, he was a member of the Alabama Public Service Commission. He has run for state office several times. He has a BA from UA, where he was SGA President, and a JD from Faulkner. He has worked as an elder-care planner for senior citizens and veterans. His primary focus is on election integrity, and he opposes early voting, same-day voter registration, voting by mail, and allowing noncitizens to vote. He supports photo ID requirements for voting.

Public Service Commission Member The Public Service Commission is responsible for the supervision and regulation of the state’s utility (electricity, gas, water, railroad, and telecommunications) companies. The Commission’s mission is “to ensure a regulatory balance between regulated companies and consumers.” It is composed of three elected members: a President and two associate commissioners. They run statewide in partisan elections, and each serves a 4-year term.

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☐ John Hammock, R,* has been the mayor of Tallassee for nearly two terms and is CEO of

Hammock Consulting, LLC, which helps manage small businesses. Hammock holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from UA. Mayor Hammock has acquired many certificates of leadership and development from Auburn, North Alabama, and Troy. Hammock currently studies an M.S. in Management and Leadership at Troy. In 2021 the Tallassee City Council ended their contract with him as superintendent of the city’s utility system. Hammock says renewable energy will cost businesses and farmers money.

☐ Stephen McLamb, R, is the Administrative Coordinator at Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.

Prior, he was a broadcast journalist for nearly 25 years, reporting from Montgomery, Knoxville, and northeast Alabama. McLamb filed for candidacy after the Public Service Commission voted to impose solar fees on Alabama Power customers. He is campaigning under the “Clean Energy Tour” and has criticized the campaign contributions from Alabama coal companies, accusing them of influencing PSC officials. His priority is helping people reduce their power bills. The Demopolis native attended Auburn University and the University of West Alabama, receiving a Bachelor’s from West Alabama.

☐ Jeremy Oden (incumbent), R,* was elected to State House District 11 in 1998 and held that

office until 2012 when Governor Bentley appointed him to the Public Service Commission. He has since been elected to the PSC twice. Oden has served on numerous committees and was selected by former President Trump to serve on the National Coal Council. He currently serves on the NARUC Electricity Committee. He voted to support the “solar tax” imposed on Alabama Power customers who utilize solar-powered products on their property. Oden holds a Bachelor’s from Asbury University and attended seminary. He previously worked in the finance industry and was a small business owner.

☐ W. Brent Woodall, R,* is an attorney and has experience in general practice, in criminal law

covering white collar crimes and public corruption, and as a prosecutor with the Alabama Attorney General’s office. Woodall was as a radio broadcaster, taking over Sean Hannity’s North Alabama show slot and hosting interviews for conservative public figures. Woodall has served as Chief of Staff for Chip Beeker (PSC Place 2) since 2016. Woodall has critiqued the way the PSC is funded, saying it creates a hidden tax for ratepayers.

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☐ Chip Beeker (incumbent), R,* has served on the PSC since 2014. He holds a degree in Commerce

and Business Administration from the University of West Alabama and served on the Greene County Commission for 20 years, including as the Chair. He says he worked to create economic development opportunities while on the County Commission. Beeker was on the Executive Committee for the State Republican party. He formerly owned a catfish and cattle farm.

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☐ Robin Litaker, R,* has held positions as teacher, assistant principal, and principal and worked in

Mobile Public Schools and Hoover Public Schools. She has a B.S. in Physical Education from Winthrop College and graduate degrees in education from the University of Montevallo and Samford University.

Litaker ran for the PSC in 2018 and 2020. She critiques the PSC’s method of funding, saying surplus taxes go into Alabama’s General Fund instead of back to consumers.

☐ Robert L. McCollum, R,* is from Dadeville and is a graduate of Horseshoe Bend High School.

On Facebook, McCollum criticizes past utility rate increases and says he will say no to future increases and will prioritize affordable utility rates. He says he will work to fight corruption and says the PSC should not work for utility companies’ best interests.

Alabama Legislators As the two chambers of the Alabama legislature, the State Senate works with the House of Representatives to create laws and establish a state budget, with the input and possible veto of the Governor. The legislature passes bills on public policy matters, sets levels for state spending, raises and lowers taxes, and votes to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes. Alabama’s State Constitution significantly limits “home rule,” so the state legislature has significant power to enact or impede local legislation. The State Senate has 35 members, the House of Representatives has 105 members, and all are elected every four years.

State Senators District 15

☐ Brian Christine, R,* earned an M.D. from Emory University and is currently in surgical practice

with Urology Centers of Alabama. As a first-time candidate Christine considers himself an “outsider” in state politics. He has published op-eds in AL.com opposing single payer healthcare and supporting pro-life stances. He supports ending the grocery and gas taxes and allowing voters to decide on a state lottery.

☐ Dan Roberts (incumbent), R,* holds a B.S. from Auburn and an M.S. from Georgia State. He

had a career in real estate, private equity, and international trade, before he was elected to District 15 in 2018. He is Chair of the Shelby County Legislation Committee. His legislative focus has been on tax issues. In 2022, Roberts led efforts to block tax increase on families receiving Covid-19 relief. He received a 71% rating from the American Conservative Union (ACU) in 2022. He also voted in favor of permitless carry of firearms as well as legislation prohibiting curbside voting in the state in the most recent session.

District 17

☐ Mike Dunn, R, is an Iraq veteran and blue collar worker. His campaign website stresses his

background in the military, including post-discharge struggles. Dunn says he is against big government, pro-Second Amendment, and supportive of good police and first responders. In his survey, he said his priorities were reforming education curriculum, lowering state taxes (particularly property taxes), bringing the lottery to Alabama, and increasing awareness of what happens in the state legislature.

☐ Shay Shelnutt (incumbent), R,* holds a B.S. and an M.A.Ed from the University of Montevallo

and is a former realtor and teacher. First elected in 2014, he currently chairs the Banking and Insurance Committee. In the current session, he voted in favor of permitless carry of firearms and sponsored legislation to ban discussions of sexual orientation or gender identity in elementary schools, to require students to use the bathroom corresponding to the sex on their birth certificate, and to prevent trans children from receiving gender-affirming medical treatment.

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District 19

☐ Louise “LuLu” Alexander, D,* holds a B.A. in Computer Science and Business Administration from Southern College. She has been a State Representative for Alabama House District 56 since 2014. Her past professional experience includes military and small business experience. In 2022, Rep. Alexander sponsored a bill to limit the amount of money municipalities may collect from traffic ticket fines and penalties. She voted no on a bill to allow permitless carry of handguns as well as the legislation requiring elementary school children to use the bathroom corresponding to the sex on their birth certificates.

☐ Merika Coleman, D,* holds a B.A. in Mass Communications and an MPA from UAB as well as a

J.D. from the Birmingham School of Law. She is an attorney and has served as State Representative for District 57 for 20 years. She was the youngest woman ever elected to the Alabama state legislature in 2002. She currently serves as Assistant Minority House Leader. She chaired the recent committee to oversee the removal of racist language from the state constitution. Coleman voted against the legalization of permitless carry of handguns as well as the bill requiring elementary school students to use the bathroom corresponding to the sex on their birth certificates.

District 20

☐ Linda Coleman-Madison (incumbent), D, holds a B.Ed from Alabama A&M and an MEd

from UAB. She is an employee of Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority and has been State Senator since 2006. She has been endorsed by the Business Council of Alabama for the 2022 election cycle. In the most recent legislative session, she was the only member of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee to vote against allowing a full vote on the bill requiring elementary school students to use the bathroom corresponding with the sex on their birth certificates as well as the bill that prohibits educators from promoting discussions of topics related to race, religion, or gender.

☐ Rodney Huntley, D,* who holds a B.S. and an M.S. from Faulkner University, is a retired

Alabama Department of Corrections employee. He was Warden of Childersburg Community Work Center/Work Release facility. He has run for office (Birmingham City Council, Birmingham City School Board, and Alabama State Senate) previously in 1998, 2006, 2009, and 2013. He is the current president of the Maple Grove Neighborhood Association.

State Representatives District 14

☐ Cory Franks, R,* attended Wallace State Community College and has served as the Mayor of

Oakman, AL, since 2016. He has worked in law enforcement for 10 years and is currently a Deputy Officer for the Walker County Sheriff’s office. Franks serves as Vice Chairman for the Walker County Community Action Agency board of directors and serves on the advisory council for the 21st Century Community Learning Center. His platform includes expanding vocational training, supporting law enforcement, maintaining a strong pardons and paroles process, and providing tax incentives to new businesses.

☐ Tom Fredricks, R,* is a businessman from Morgan County and holds a degree in Mechanical

Engineering from the University of Kentucky. He owns Fredricks Outdoor. Fredricks ran for Alabama House Representative in District 4 in 2018. He recently served as Treasurer for the Morgan County Republican Party. Fredricks opposes the 2019 gas tax and supports legislation that would require public school children to use bathrooms corresponding to the sex on their birth certificate.

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☐ Timothy “Tim” Wadsworth (incumbent), R,* has served in the Alabama House since 2014.

Wadsworth attended Walker College and UA and holds a Bachelor’s in Accounting and a Master’s in Tax Accounting. He has a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law and is a practicing attorney. Wadsworth was chosen as an elector for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020. Wadsworth says he has increased funding for volunteer fire departments, schools, 1-22 exit lighting, and other infrastructure projects.

He supports the coal industry and voted to require elementary school children to use bathrooms corresponding to the sex on their birth certificate.

District 15

☐ Leigh Hulsey, R,* is on the Helena City Council. Hulsey received a degree in Human

Development and Family Studies from Auburn University. She owns CrossFit Alabaster and holds leadership positions in the Alabaster Business Alliance, the Republican Women of North Shelby, and the Shelby County GOP. Hulsey previously lost a special election race in 2021 for House District 73 before redistricting placed her in district 15. Hulsey says District 15 deserves a “God-fearing, qualified, conservative, pro-jobs leader,” and she supports funding for roads, education, trails, and broadband.

☐ Brad Tompkins, R,* is originally from Florida and moved to Alabama in 1991. He holds a

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. Previously a homebuilder, he currently owns a factory automation business in Birmingham and Fab Fruit, a restaurant in Hoover. Tompkins also serves as a member of the Bessemer Industrial Development Board. Tompkins says he believes in “personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.” He supports capitalism and private enterprise and opposes vaccine mandates. Tompkins top three priorities include education, workforce development, and economic development.

District 45

☐ Dickie Drake (incumbent), R,* was first elected in a 2011 special election after the death of

his brother, Former Representative Owen Drake. Following his retirement after 42 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard, Drake joined his family’s landscaping business in Leeds. Drake serves on the boards of Leeds Youth Baseball, Leeds Historical Society, and Three Hots and a Cot. Drake’s campaign goals include job and economic growth, achieved through lower taxes as well as tax incentives for new industries. Drake is pro-constitutional carry and anti-abortion. In 2022 Drake sponsored HB322 requiring elementary students to use the bathroom corresponding to the sex on their birth certificate and co-sponsored HB312 prohibiting teaching of certain concepts relating to race, sex, or religion.

☐ Susan DuBose, R,* received her B.S. in Finance from the University of South Alabama and an

MBA from Springhill College. She worked in real estate financing for Compass Bank before raising two children and volunteering in the nonprofit sector. DuBose has held leadership positions in Republican groups, the American Heart Association’s Heart Guild, and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and was an alternate Trump delegate for the 2020 RNC convention. Ms. DuBose’s platform includes limiting government overreach such as Covid-19 mandates, eliminating the grocery tax and gas tax, and supporting election integrity through audits and voter ID requirements. Ms. DuBose is anti-abortion and against Critical Race Theory in schools.

District 47

☐ Christian Coleman, D, grew up in Vestavia Hills and currently lives in Hoover. He has a degree

in Film from UA and a Master’s in Poetry from the University of New Orleans. Coleman is a freelance writer, a work-from-home father, and a member of the Alabama Air National Guard. His main campaign issues are paid family leave, a state election day holiday, cutting income taxes, Medicaid expansion, climate change, union rights, and equal rights.

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☐ Jim Toomey, D,* grew up in Mobile and lives in Vestavia Hills. He holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of South Alabama. Toomey’s 40 year career spans from VP and CIO at Protective Life Insurance to Director of IT at Mutual of Omaha. His campaign advocates for Medicaid expansion, fair voting practices, preparing students for 21st century jobs, an education lottery, working across the aisle, and protecting clean water. Toomey previously ran for State Representative in 2018.

District 48

☐ Jim Carns (incumbent), R,* was born in Blount County and has a B.S. in Engineering from UA.

Carns served as State Rep from 1990 to 2006 and served on the County Commission from 2006 to 2010. He was elected State Representative again in 2012 and is now the Chair of the Commerce and Small Business Committee and the Jefferson County Delegation. Carns opposes vaccine mandates and supports using some ARPA funds for broadband access. Carns sponsored a bill to make tax exempt money from the Child Tax Credit and voted for the bill requiring elementary students to use the bathroom matching the sex on their birth certificate.

☐ William C. Wentowski, R, is from Mountain Brook. He holds a B.S. in Commerce & Business

Administration from UA. Wentowski currently works in his family’s business, BTS Technologies. His priorities are growing Alabama’s tech industry, supporting and funding the police, eliminating the grocery tax, providing more mental health resources to students, improving education, and reforming campaign finance and term limits.

District 52

☐ LaTanya Millhouse, D, is from Titusville in Birmingham. She has an Associate’s in Business

Administration from Herzing College and will receive a Bachelor’s from Huntingdon College in August. She is a Community Organizer with Contest Every Race. She has held leadership positions in Democratic women groups and has been involved in economic development organizations, including the Birmingham Black Chamber Commerce and Alpha Omega Group. Her top priorities are Medicaid expansion, early and no-excuse absentee voting, and grandparents’ custody rights. She also supports neighborhood revitalization, criminal justice reform, and advancing education.

☐ John W. Rogers, Jr. (incumbent), D, originally from Fairfield, has been State Representative since 1982. He has an Associate’s in Vocational Education from UAB, a Bachelor’s in Biology from Tennessee State University, and an M.S. from UA. He is the former chairman of the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus, former director of UAB Office of Minority Affairs, and he currently serves on the board for the Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau. He says his priorities are mental health support for veterans, education (increasing test scores), addressing gun violence, and justice for victims of police brutality. He has proposed multiple lottery bills and proposed sports betting in 2022; he also publicly opposed the 2019 state abortion ban and voted against the bill requiring elementary students to use the bathroom matching the sex on their birth certificates.

District 54

☐ Brit Blalock, D, attended undergrad at Samford University and received a Master’s in Creative

Writing from New York University. She graduated from Emerge Alabama and has helped other Democrats run for office. She is the Director of Marketing at Innovation Depot and is the co-founder of BEVY networking group. Blalock’s priorities are to expand Medicaid; defend public education; support job-training for youth; and invest in tech, bio-medical, and green industries. She says she will not take corporate PAC money or lobbyist dollars during her campaign. Blalock is the first nonbinary identified person elected to Alabama’s State Democratic Executive Committee.

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☐ Edward Maddox, D,* attended undergrad at Florida A&M and holds a Master’s from Alabama

State University. He has retired as teacher and band director at Woodlawn High School. He is a current owner and barber at New Creations Event Room in Woodlawn. He served as President of Woodlawn Neighborhood Association. Edward served on the Birmingham Board of Education from 2009 to 2012; he stepped down in 2012 and ran in 2017 for the same seat. He ran for City Council in 2005 and 2013.

☐ Neil Rafferty (incumbent), D, was corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, holds a B.A. in English

and Political Science from UAB, and has worked at Birmingham AIDS Outreach. He was elected State Representative in 2018 and is Alabama’s only openly gay lawmaker. His priorities include Medicaid expansion, pregnancy protections, mental health resources, ending racial health disparities, a minimum wage increase, elimination of the grocery tax, and pre-K expansion. He has sponsored bills related to mental illness and a police database, and he voted against the bill criminalizing medical care for trans youth and the bill requiring elementary students to use the bathroom corresponding to the sex on their birth certificate.

District 55

☐ Travis Hendrix, D, grew up in public housing in Birmingham and serves as a Police Sergeant

for the Birmingham Police Department. He holds a B.A. in Sociology from Miles College and a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Strategic Management from Oakland City University. Hendrix’s priorities would be to improve economic growth, education, and neighborhood safety, as well as “restore trust and integrity in the office and to effectively change the district for the better.”

☐ Phyllis E. Oden-Jones, D, attended Fisk University and holds an Associate’s in Biology from

Lawson State and a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from UAB. Oden-Jones is a retired Birmingham Police Officer/Supervisor. She was elected to the Fairfield City Council in 2020. She is active in the Fair Oaks Community Neighborhood Association. She says her mission is “to represent the community, form relationships with the constituents, be reliable to constituents, get resources and rebuild the community.” Her priorities would be to fight for good schools, good jobs, and safer communities for senior citizens.

☐ Fred “Coach” Plump, D,* is President of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, retired from the

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Department, and served in the Alabama National Guard. He attended the EMT program at UAB and founded the Piper Davis Youth Baseball League. He has served on the State Democratic Executive Committee and the Jefferson County Democratic Committee. He ran for Jefferson County Commissioner in 2008 and for House District 57 in 2010. His stated priorities for this election are better schools, better healthcare, improved neighborhood safety, and a strong economy.

☐ Roderick “Rod” Scott (incumbent), D,* has served as State Rep since 2006. He is the ranking

minority member of the House Committees on Fiscal Responsibility, Education Policy, and Ways and Means Education. He ran for Jefferson County Treasurer in 2020. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Yale University and a M.B.A. from Dartmouth College. He has been a Professor at Miles College.

This year Scott sponsored a bill to limit law enforcement’s use of artificial intelligence and facial recognition and a bill to make illegal female genital mutilation.

☐ Antwon Bernard Womack, D,* attended Wenonah High School. He ran for Mayor of Tarrant

in 2008; for Birmingham Board of Education in 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2021; and for Alabama House District 55 in 2018. He qualified to run for Jefferson County Board of Education in 2010 but withdrew prior to the election. In a letter announcing his candidacy this election, Womack said his vision is “focused on personal empowerment and community development,” including criminal justice reform, safe and sustainable neighborhoods, and an economy that works for all.

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District 56

☐ Tereshia Huffman, D, is a graduate of UA. She worked for four years for the Atlanta City

Government on public outreach, grants, and data reporting. Huffman worked on the executive team for REV Birmingham. She was appointed to the Birmingham Water Works Board in 2021. Huffman’s campaign priorities include community development, mental health resources, Medicaid expansion, and equitable education.

☐ Cleo King, D, received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

He was elected to the Bessemer City Council in 2010, and he was elected president of the Bessemer Public Library Board of Trustees in 2011. King is the owner of the commercial cleaning service, King Enterprises, LLC. King says his priorities are more economic opportunities, access to quality and affordable healthcare and mental health options, more robust reform of Alabama’s criminal justice system for equal justice for all, and more resources for students and teachers.

☐ Jesse Matthews, D, attended Lawson State Community College, Bessemer State Community

College and UAB. He is currently employed with Alabama Power. He was elected to the Bessemer City Council 23 years ago and now serves as President. He says his priorities are economic and community development (including tax incentives for businesses, broadband access, and land banking), education, Medicaid expansion, public safety (including interstate lighting), and workforce development.

☐ Ontario J. Tillman, D, received his B.S. in Special Education and M.Ed. in Collaborative Teaching

from Alabama A&M University. He worked in Bessemer City Schools as an educator and coach. He received a J.D. from Miles Law School and is currently a partner with the Maxwell Tillman Law Firm.

He says his priorities are gun violence reduction, criminal justice reform, economic and community development, education funding, and mental health access.

District 57

☐ Kevin “K.D.” Dunn, D, has served on the Pleasant Grove City Council since 2020 and was

among its first three Black members. He is a law enforcement officer, an entrepreneur, and has a mentorship program called Ties 2 Success. He received his Bachelor’s from the University of South Alabama and an M.P.A. from UAB. He says his priorities include safer communities through youth mentorship, workforce opportunities for those previously incarcerated, and collaboration with law enforcement. He wishes to expand Medicaid, remove the grocery tax, invest in community centers for seniors, eliminate food deserts, and ensure road and infrastructure funding for his district.

☐ Patrick Sellers, D, holds a B.A. from the American Military University; a B.T.H. from Birmingham

Easonian Bible College; and a DMin from Andersonville Theological Seminary. Sellers is pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Riley and an Army veteran. He served on the BJCTA Board of Directors from 2006 to 2018 and ran for State House District 52 in 2014. His priorities are community safety, proper education, transportation, economic and community development, and care for the elderly.

☐ Charles Ray Winston, III, D,* is a Jefferson County Constable. He attended Lawson State,

Jeff State, and Stillman College. His father has been Assistant Tax Assessor in Bessemer. Winston says Medicaid expansion, healthcare access, and mental health resources are top priorities and has hosted a series of fitness and health fairs as a part of his campaign this year.

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District 60

☐ Juandalynn Givan (incumbent), D, has been State Rep since 2010. She holds a B.A. in

Political Science from Miles College and a J.D. from Miles School of Law. She is the owner of Givan & Associates Law Firm and previously worked for the city under Mayor Arrington. She says she will continue to fight for a minimum wage increase, preK programs, an Education Trust Fund lottery, small business tax credits, prison reform, and legislation for equality for all sexual orientations, races, or ethnicities. She voted against the bill requiring elementary students to use the bathroom matching the sex on their birth certificates. ☐ Nina Taylor, D,* is the current fire captain for the Pratt City Fire Station, has worked as a firefighter for 19 years, and teaches at the Fire Science Academy at Midfield High School. She received a Bachelor’s in Occupational Safety & Health and an Associate’s in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. She supports voting rights, increasing the minimum wage, lowering costs of higher education, and fixing Alabama’s infrastructure.

District Attorney The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office represents the state of Alabama and prosecutes the felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases that occur in Jefferson County. Duties include the screening of cases, their presentation to the Grand Jury, trial preparation, and presentation of evidence in Circuit and District Courts. The District Attorney also oversees restitution and child support collection and provides assistance to domestic violence and child abuse victims.

10th Judicial Circuit: Bessemer Division

☐ Minnie Louise Tunstall, D, is a veteran and a graduate of UA Huntsville and the Birmingham School of Law. She has her own law firm and specializes in bankruptcy, estate planning, and personal injury law. She served as an Assistant District Attorney in Bessemer from 2010 to 2013 and was a staff attorney with Metro Birmingham Legal Services. Her priorities in the DA’s office would be reduction of crime, timeliness of trials, trial success rate, staff training, community involvement, closure for victims’ families, and protecting the community from individuals who pose a threat.

☐ Lynneice O. Washington (incumbent), D,* was elected District Attorney in 2016 and

was the first Black woman in this role. She graduated from Auburn University and received her J.D. from Miles Law School. She has worked as general practitioner of law, prosecutor, and presiding judge. She says since taking office, she has led projects to promote public safety, improve family functioning, assist victims in navigating the legal system, and implement processes to remedy wrongful convictions.

☐ Eric Christopher McAdory, R,* has worked in a pre-trial release program for Jefferson

County Sheriff’s Office and as a Probation and Parole Officer. He received a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Business from Wilberforce University and a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati. He is an attorney in Bessemer. When McAdory ran for Circuit Clerk in 2012, he said his experience working around the courthouse gave him insight into how the Circuit Clerk’s office could be improved.

☐ Bill Veitch, R,* has been the Assistant District Attorney for Jefferson County (Bessemer Division).

He received his J.D. from the Birmingham School of Law and previously worked in private law practice and served as Birmingham Police Officer. Governor Bentley appointed him as DA for Bessemer in 2016; Veitch ran for the seat in 2018. He has served in leadership for the Bessemer Children’s Advocacy Center (now The Clay House), the Hoover Board of Education, and the Bessemer YMCA. In his 2018 campaign, he pledged to bring awareness to heroin and opioid addiction.

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Circuit Court Judge (Circuit 10: Jefferson County) The Circuit Court is the highest court in the county. The circuit courts are where jury trials take place. In Jefferson County, there are civil, criminal, domestic, and family divisions.

Place 12: Bessemer Division (Criminal Court)

☐ Glenda Freeman, D, received her Bachelor’s from Miles College and her J.D. from Miles

Law School. She is currently working as a staff attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Birmingham in Bessemer. Previously, she has worked as an attorney for workers compensation, criminal, child custody, and divorce cases. She was the President of Alabama Lawyer Association and she serves on the Character and Fitness Committee of Alabama State Bar. She says she is committed to serving and will serve with integrity and treat everyone with fairness and respect.

☐ Thomas E. Thrash, D,* has served as the Criminal Division District Court Judge in Place 11

(Bessemer Division) since 2018. He says he is running for this Circuit Court position because it is an opportunity for more responsibilities, such as civil matters and jury trials in criminal cases. Thrash worked in law enforcement for Birmingham and Jefferson County for 25 years. He has an Associate’s from Lawson State, a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Science from UAB, and a J.D. from Miles Law School.

He opened his own law firm in 2006 and concentrated on criminal defense, personal injury, family law, and landlord/tenant law.

Place 14 (Criminal Court)

☐ Eric Hamilton, D, received his B.A. from Stillman College and his J.D. from Birmingham School of Law. He has worked as a police officer, a state probation and parole officer, a Special District Judge, and a National Guard member. He also has had a private law practice. Hamilton became the first Black Assistant District Attorney in Walker County and served from 2013 to 2016. He is a current Deputy District Attorney in Jefferson County and a pastor at Lee Chapel AME Church. His priorities are drug and mental health treatment and fair and equal treatment in court.

☐ Tiara Young Hudson, D, graduated from Emory University with a degree in Spanish and

attended UA School of Law, where she clerked for Judge Caryl Privett. She has served as the Deputy Chief Public Defender for Jefferson County since 2014 after moving from private practice.

She is involved in programs for Huffman Middle School and Rutledge Middle School. Her priorities are equitable treatment under law; a commitment to youth and students in the community; and endorsing criminal reform measures besides prison through wraparound services.

Place 16 (Criminal Court)

☐ Kandice Pickett, D, serves as a Deputy District Attorney for Jefferson County. She received

her B.A. and J.D. from UA. She gives presentations for state and local officials on criminal law and justice. She is a member of Alabama Leadership Initiative and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Her priorities are to follow and enforce the law, be fair to the people in court, listen to the community, and educate the community about criminal justice.

☐ Paul Rand, D, serves as a trial attorney at the Jefferson County Public Defender’s Office. He

received his B.A. and J.D. from UA, where his legal fields included civil and criminal law. He does committee advising at UA and the UA School of Law and is associated with the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program. His priorities include upholding laws without prejudice; maintaining community safety and people’s rights; and respect, dignity, and justice to all in the court. He says putting a Public Defender on the bench will promote justice rather than punishment.

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Place 20 (Domestic Relations Court)

☐ Ben Larkin, D, attended Birmingham-Southern College and UA School of Law. For over six years,

he has been a trial referee in Jefferson County Family Court, presiding over cases regarding child and juvenile affairs. He has also worked as Deputy District Attorney and a civil litigator. Larkin previously applied for a seat on the Jefferson County Circuit Court bench in 2018 and 2019, but he was not appointed. He considers his top priorities fairness, equal access to justice, and treating people with respect.

☐ Alisha Ruffin May, D, received her undergraduate and law degrees from UA. She has 20 years of legal experience and currently serves as a Senior Trial Referee in Jefferson County Family Court.

She has also previously presented to the Birmingham Bar Association about topics such as child representation. Her vision is to provide the public with fair, swift, and courteous service.

☐ Ruth Robinson, D, is originally from Birmingham and received her Bachelor’s from

Birmingham-Southern College and a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law, where she was the Associate Editor for the Cumberland Law Review. She has worked as a private attorney in family and criminal law for 18 years. Her campaign slogan is “It’s all about the kids,” and in public policy, she identifies herself as passionate about prison reform, mass incarceration, government transparency, and respect for all people.

Place 21 (Civil Court)

☐ Monica Agee, D,* holds a Bachelor’s in Quantitative Analysis from UAB and a J.D. from

Birmingham School of Law. She has practiced as a private law attorney since 2000 and is an Air Force veteran. She ran for 10th Circuit Court Place 17 in 2016. Agee says she seeks to be an impartial judge, values equal treatment under the law, and pledges to provide fair and correct application of the law.​​

☐ Chris Christie, D, received his J.D. from Duke University. He works with the Dentons Sirote’s

Litigation Practice Group and has represented death row inmates, abused prisoners, and others unable to afford a lawyer. He has published and taught on legal ethics and trial techniques. In 2018, he ran for Alabama Attorney General. Christie serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Alabama State Bar and is a Fellow with the Birmingham Bar Association. Christie says a judge’s priorities should be applying the law and making the best decisions because those decisions change lives. He says knowing the law, having experience, and treating people with fairness, compassion, and equal justice are important.

Place 23 (Domestic Relations Court)

☐ Carla V. Morton, D, received her B.S. from Faulkner University and her J.D. from Birmingham

School of Law. She has her own firm, where she focuses on domestic relations, family law, criminal law, probate, and personal injury. She has worked as Special Judge for the District Court and as a Litigation Paralegal. She says her priorities would be expanding family resources such as counseling and mediation, developing family-centric solutions, and providing fair treatment and methodological application of the law.

☐ Adrienne Moffett Powell, D, received her B.S. from University of Montevallo and her J.D.

from Miles Law School. She owns A P Law Office and specializes in divorce and separation, family, child support, and general practice. She has sat as Special Judge for several judges and has been an expert guest on Fox 6 Law Call. She says her top priority is helping families transition into their new situation and providing them with resources to do so.

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District Court Judge District courts are lower courts that have authority to make decisions about misdemeanors, small claims, criminal cases, guilty pleas, and civil matters not exceeding $10,000. District courts also share jurisdiction over juvenile cases regarding juvenile delinquency, child abuse, and children in need of supervision. These cases are heard by a judge but no jury.

Place 10: Bessemer Division (Family Court)

☐ Kathy-Ann Marcia Alexis, D, has served as the Special Judge for domestic relations, small

claims, and civil matters. She received her J.D. from the Birmingham School of Law. She has worked as defense attorney and special prosecutor. Alexis was the first African-American woman President of the Bessemer Bar Association. She is a Guardian Ad Litem, representing a child’s interest in a family dispute, and is also on the Bessemer Domestic Violence Task Force. She has her own law firm and specializes in criminal defense and family law. She says she will consider how decisions impact the community, consider all arguments, communicate calmly and courteously, be punctual, and demonstrate “firmness, understanding, compassion, humility, and common sense.”

☐ Pooja Chawla, D, is originally from New Delhi, India, and is in private practice specializing in

family law and appeals. She received her J.D. from the Birmingham School of Law. She is the first Asian-American to run for a judicial seat in Alabama. Chawla clerked for Judge Eugene Verin and sat as Special District Judge. She has been the President of the Legal Aid Society of Birmingham and serves on the Alabama State Bar’s pro bono committee. She says she will understand that “limited resources can limit choices” and will prioritize families by connecting them to community resources; providing personalized solutions; and not letting status impact treatment.

☐ Kerri Page Parker, D, works at Legal Aid Society of Birmingham as a staff attorney with cases involving the Child Protection and Child Custody Division in the Family Court. Parker received her J.D. from UA. She has worked in public and private service in Alabama and Colorado. She has represented employees facing workplace discrimination, victims of domestic violence, and those unable to afford an attorney. Parker’s platform includes a commitment to justice, fairness, and service. Her top priorities are to “provide fairness and justice for all by treating each person who enters the courtroom with respect, and making sure they are being heard.”

Jefferson County Sheriff The Jefferson County Sheriff serves as the highest ranking police officer in Jefferson County. The Sheriff’s office oversees police patrols throughout Jefferson County outside of municipalities with their own police force, oversees criminal investigations, provides law enforcement services to Jefferson County Schools, conducts the only deputy sheriffs training academy in the state, and oversees both county jails. The Sheriff serves a four year term and has no term limits.

☐ Kareem Easley, D, received his B.A. in Criminal Justice from UA. He is a Sergeant with the Birmingham Police Department, was a Deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and has held other law enforcement roles. He says his top priority would be deputy detention and recruitment.

• Crime and Violence Reduction Programs: Easley says he will implement programs focused on community involvement and transparency, including opportunities for conversation between residents and police representatives.

• Changes to Jails: Easley says he will conduct internal assessments in the jails with a focus on human life. He calls jail conditions inhumane, citing deaths caused by inmate violence and unsanitary conditions.

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• Immigration Enforcement: Easley says he will uphold Alabama’s 2011 anti-immigrant law HB56 (including naming some provisions that have been struck down) and continue to collaborate with ICE. He adds that he will focus on partnerships with organizations providing resources to families affected by deportation.

☐ Wilson “Hale Yes” Hale, D, worked in Law Enforcement for 35 years and the U.S. Army for 24

years. His named priorities are gun violence reduction, safety, transparency, and removing violent criminals from the streets while protecting their rights.

• Crime and Violence Reduction Programs: Hale says he will use task forces, anti-violence community programs, and partnerships with regional law enforcement agencies. He will also employ apprenticeship programs for inmates and a conflict resolution program for elementary and middle schoolers.

• Changes to Jails: Hale says he will review and amend jail protocols, addressing unexplained deaths and the “premature release of violent offenders.”

• Immigration Enforcement: Hale says immigration is the federal government’s responsibility and with high gun violence, he will focus on reducing violent crime. However, he will try to “remove all violent criminals from… Jefferson County, irrespective of their immigration status.”

☐ Mark Levie Pettway (incumbent), D, was elected in 2018 and is the first Black man to be

Sheriff of Jefferson County. Pettway received his B.A. from Faulkner University and has worked in law enforcement for over 30 years. He says his priority is bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community because they need community help to remove crime.

• Crime and Violence Reduction Programs: Pettway says he has created programs to help create a safer county and will continue to do so. He names programs like Jobs Not Jail, Renewed For Reentry, Summer With The Sheriff, and Books Not Bullets, as well as a fund for domestic violence victims.

• Changes to Jails: Pettway says he has upgraded the health care, food quality, and educational opportunities for inmates. He says he will “continue to add programs and partners to better rehabilitate inmates” so they won’t come back.

• Immigration Enforcement: Pettway says he serves all residents of Jefferson County and does not ask about or investigate the immigration status of individuals. He says he works to ensure residents do not have to fear deputies.

☐ Felicia Rucker-Sumerlin, D, was the first Black female captain and the first female Deputy

Chief of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Rucker-Sumerlin received her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University. Having had a child murdered in Jefferson County, Rucker-Sumerlin’s main goal is to create a task force solely focused on guiding families through the criminal justice process.

• Crime and Violence Reduction Programs: Rucker-Sumerlin says she will create a Violent Crimes Task Force to focus on homicide rate reduction. She says the task force will help physical as well as psychological safety because exposure to crime is associated with trauma.

• Changes to Jails: Rucker-Sumerlin says she would reinstate the GED program, develop a second-chance program for those released to decrease recidivism, and assist victims of crime in navigating the justice system.

• Immigration Enforcement: Rucker-Sumerlin says, “As Deputy Chief of Corrections (County Jail) I did not release any individuals from our custody to ICE. I do not believe the Sheriff’s Office is responsible for immigration enforcement.”

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Jefferson County Board of Education The Jefferson County Board of Education oversees Jefferson County Schools. The Board determines guidelines and procedures for schools, including disciplinary policies and educational interventions. The Board also appoints and supervises the Superintendent. Due to GBM’s advocacy, starting this year, the Board of Education will transition from an at-large election to a district-based election with one member per district. Members serve six year terms.

Due to a clerical error, BOE candidates did not receive surveys.

District 3

☐ Stephanie Floyd, D, holds a Bachelor’s from Jacksonville State University and a graduate

degree from Walden University; she is currently a doctoral candidate at Walden. Floyd is a realtor with RealtySouth. Floyd lives in Center Point and her children attended District 3 high schools. She says she wants the best education for students and expresses concern about students’ graduation rates, college enrollment, and job prospects.

☐ Rochelle Malone, D, has a B.S. in Business Administration from Miles College and an M.Ed.

from Samford University. Malone worked as an elementary teacher in Birmingham City Schools and left to launch her nonprofit MSFace2Face in 2014. She has authored books, been a motivational speaker, and encouraged people with Multiple Sclerosis to keep striving.

☐ Robert L. Mardis, D, received his undergraduate degree from UA. Mardis is a realtor with

Norman & Associates and has been involved in the Alabama Young Democrats since 2015. Mardis ran for Jefferson County Board of Education in 2018 and Public Service Commission President in 2020.

☐ Donna Pike (incumbent), R, worked as a bus driver for Jefferson County Schools before

retiring. Pike served on the Irondale City Council and has served on the Board of Education since 2016. In 2018, the Jefferson County Board of Education passed a resolution asking Pike to resign due to Pike’s social media posts, which the Board called divise. Pike later apologized and did not resign.

She says she serves to make a difference and emphasizes listening as an important part of her role.

☐ Ray Torrillo, R, studied at Troy University and received a degree in Data Processing and

Programming from John Patterson Technical College. He retired from IT and serves as a high school football official. His children have attended Jefferson County Schools. In a speech to the North Jefferson County Republican Club, Torrillo raised the following issues: school conditions, teachers not given enough time to teach and plan because of too many meetings and covering other teachers, and a lack of substitute teachers. He says he supports school choice.

District 5

☐ Tarji Ransaw, D, holds an A.A.S. in Accounting Information Management from Tarrant County

College and a B.A.Sc. in Management from Miles College. She is a notary and has worked as Human Resources Director for 1981 Holdings, LLC, since 2016. Her Facebook lists these issues: high quality education, full funding and resources, increased school-parent partnerships, compliance with special education mandates, increased career and college readiness, and increased graduation rates.

☐ Carita Venable (incumbent), D, was appointed to the board in 2019 and also works for

the Southern Regional Education Board. She received a B.A. from the University of Montevallo, an M.A.Ed. from UAB, and an M.S. in Education from Samford. Venable was an English Language Arts and Reading teacher in Birmingham City Schools. In Jefferson County Schools, she has served as an Instructional Coach, a School Improvement Supervisor at the Board of Education, an Assistant Principal, and a Principal. She names as priorities student development, college and career readiness, and building capacity for educators in order to improve student outcomes.

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Jefferson County Commissioner The Jefferson County Commission is the legislative branch for Jefferson County. The Commission administers county finances; serves as custodians of the county’s property; allocates resources for construction of roads, bridges, and public facilities; facilitates local utilities; and makes appointments to various local boards and agencies. Commissioners serve four year terms.

District 2

☐ Steve Small, Jr., D, is the pastor of True Life Baptist Church and the founder of Think Safe, a

demolition company based in Birmingham. Small was appointed to the Jefferson County Commission in 2001, where he served until 2002; he ran for the same seat in 2002, 2010, and 2014. Small says he supports neighborhood clean-up efforts; crime reduction; resources for small businesses; reduction of food deserts; indigent healthcare services; responsible law enforcement; increased funding for JCCEO; and federal funding for roads, bridges, public transportation, and education.

☐ Sheila Tyson (incumbent), D, is a business accountant. She has served on the Jefferson

County Commission since 2018. She ran for the seat in 2014. Tyson was the President of the Arlington-West End Neighborhood Association from 2008 to 2014 and served on the Birmingham City Council from 2013 to 2018. Tyson was in favor of county support for Cooper Green Mercy Hospital and has worked to restore voting rights for people disenfranchised due to felony convictions. She says her priorities are affordable housing, mental health access, vocational training for high schoolers, greenspace, and access to computer training and coding classes.

State Party Executive Committee Member Voters in the Primary also vote for who will serve on their party’s State Party Executive Committee.

Committee members serve as the governing body of the state parties. They direct policies and procedures, legislate bylaws, and outline platforms. Members serve four year terms. Each party has different procedures for electing their Executive Committees, so follow the instructions on your ballot.

Due to space restrictions, we are not able to list all 70+ committee candidates for Jefferson County, and these candidates are running for leadership of state parties and not government office. Find your sample ballot at sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/2022-primary-election-sample-ballots to view candidate names before Election Day. Editor and Lead Organizer: Amanda Cherry Graphic Design Template: Bradley Ray

Organizing Director: Tari Williams Spanish Translation: Luis Robledo

Special Thanks to Our Volunteer Strategists, Researchers, Writers, and Reviewers: Linda Bellamy, Taylor Brielle, Garrison Brothers, Lynn Brown, Rob Burton, Kim Chatman, Sarah Chew, Alexandra Coberly, Maggie Davies, Carol Dean, Lane Estes, Rachel Estes, Katelyn Foote, Laura Gulino, Allison Hamilton, Shiney Isaac, Annie Kelley, Farid Marashinia, Kelsey McClure, Dori Miles, Texys Morris, Daphney Portis, Jennifer Potter, Kay Smith, Luci Smitherman, Alice Speake, Celsa Stallworth, Camilla Thompson, Ronald Truss, and Liliana Viera.

Cover Art: Laura Núñez @lauralowart used a block printing technique involving hand carving a wooden block and using it like a stamp to create each unique print. What Laura likes about this art form is it allows for experimentation and each print is a different iteration of the same design. She likes making accessible and easy to understand prints for the masses. We chose the theme “build power” because we believe in building power in community through organizing, education, and voting. One person casts one vote, but together we can build power and create change.

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