Demus Copeland Enters Race for Shelby County Tax Commissioner

Shelby County attorney Demus Copeland has officially qualified to run in the Republican primary for Shelby County Property Tax Commissioner on May 19, 2026. Copeland’s filing kicks off his campaign with a focus on fiscal responsibility, government transparency and protecting taxpayers.

Copeland said his time as a United States Marine taught him key lessons about stewardship and efficiency. He said those lessons will guide his approach to leading the Tax Commissioner’s Office.

“As a fiscal conservative, I believe taxpayers deserve an office that safeguards their hard-earned money, operates with maximum transparency, and delivers the correct revenue for the County Commission to function effectively,” Copeland said.

Copeland focuses much of his legal practice on property and homeowners association law. His background also includes work as a realtor and extensive legal and accounting education. According to his firm’s website, he holds degrees in law, accounting and leadership and is admitted to multiple courts, including the Supreme Court of Alabama.

Copeland says one issue he hears often from Shelby County homeowners — especially those 65 and older — is that banks sometimes fail to recognize homestead exemptions. That can delay the release of property taxes held in escrow after the exemption kicks in, he said. Copeland believes the issue is fixable under current law.

Copeland lives in Calera with his wife and their two children. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran and describes himself as a fiscal conservative.

The Property Tax Commissioner’s Office oversees property tax assessment records and homestead exemptions in Shelby County. The seat is currently held by Jacob Tidmore.

Voters in the Republican primary will select their nominee for the office on May 19, 2026, ahead of the general election later that year.