A New Voice for Alabama House District 45

Guest Opinion by Lisa Ward

In every community, leadership matters. Representation is not just about holding office; it is about listening, engaging, and fighting for the needs of the people. That is exactly why Toni Kornegay Vaughn has stepped forward to run for Alabama House District 45, challenging Republican incumbent Susan DuBose in the upcoming election.

House District 45 includes parts of Shelby, Jefferson, and St. Clair counties. Its residents deserve a leader who will work every day to bring people together, champion real solutions to the challenges families face, and ensure that all voices are heard at the State House.

Susan DuBose currently serves as the Republican representative for District 45 and was first elected in 2022. A retired banker with years of experience in finance and community involvement, DuBose has focused her public service on conservative priorities such as education, economic development, and limited government. She has also served as president of the Republican Women of North Shelby County and has been active in local civic organizations.

While public service is commendable, representation should not go unchallenged when communities are seeking new ideas, fresh energy, and a different way forward.

For many months, Toni Kornegay Vaughn worked behind the scenes to recruit a qualified candidate who could step forward to run for this office. She believed deeply that District 45 deserved real choice at the ballot box, meaningful debate, and leadership grounded in service rather than incumbency. When no one stepped forward who was both willing and prepared to take on that responsibility, Toni felt compelled to act.

She knows that effective representation requires stamina, resilience, and determination. Toni brings those qualities to this race, along with a strong belief that leadership begins with listening to the people who live and work in the district every day.

Toni Kornegay Vaughn’s vision for District 45 is shaped by conversations with neighbors, families, educators, workers, and small business owners throughout the community. She believes in strengthening public education and workforce development so that every child and every worker has a fair chance to succeed. She supports growing local economies by helping small businesses thrive and attracting good paying jobs that allow families to build stable futures.

Toni also believes that access to affordable, quality healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for a few, and that communities are strongest when people feel safe, supported, and heard. Her approach to public safety, infrastructure, and community investment is practical, people centered, and focused on long term solutions rather than short term politics.

Toni’s decision to run is rooted in a sense of responsibility to her community. When the opportunity arose and no one else stepped forward, she chose to answer the call. Her campaign represents a grassroots belief in democracy, one where leaders emerge because they are needed and because they are willing to do the work.

As voters in House District 45 consider their choice in this election, they have the opportunity to support leadership that listens, engages, and advocates with integrity and determination. Toni Kornegay Vaughn is ready to serve, ready to work, and ready to represent the people of District 45 with energy, heart, and conviction.

This election is about more than a single race. It is about ensuring that every voice in District 45 has a seat at the table and a champion at the State House. Toni Kornegay Vaughn stands ready to be that champion.

Lisa Ward is a former Democratic nominee for the Alabama State Senate, a political leader and advocate with more than three decades of experience advancing justice, equity, and community empowerment. She is known for grassroots organizing and coalition-building across the State, and is committed to policy solutions that uplift marginalized communities and strengthen democracy.

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