Experience Matters: Jay Welborn Qualifies to Run for Shelby County District Court Judge, Place 3

From the Welborn campaign

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala.—Jarred “Jay” Welborn’s campaign for Shelby County District Court Judge, Place 3, announced today that it has raised more than $34,000 in cash contributions from over 85 local individuals and businesses, signaling what supporters describe as a broad wave of true grassroots support across Shelby County.

Welborn is seeking to be Shelby County’s next District Court Judge, Place 3. A longtime conservative Republican, he says his campaign is grounded in a simple commitment: to serve the people of Shelby County with faith, fairness, and real-world experience.

“I’m not running for a title,” Welborn said. “I’m running to serve, to bring steadiness, humility, and fairness to a court that touches people’s lives every single day. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and financial support we’ve received from so many friends, neighbors, and local business leaders.”

Welborn brings a rare breadth of experience to the race, shaped by years of work across criminal, civil, domestic, and small-claims law, as well as leadership in business and public service. Supporters say that well-rounded background is exactly what Shelby County needs in a District Court judge.

Attorney Rachel King, who has known Welborn for more than a decade, says his work ethic stands out in every part of life.

“I have known Jarred ‘Jay’ Welborn since 2013, first as a husband, then as a father, and later as a fellow attorney,” King said. “In every role, Jay gives everything he has to be his best. Whether it’s helping move an industrial-size refrigerator for his wife or tackling a legal brief for a client, Jay never says no. He rises to every challenge, and he makes it look effortless. Because of that, I know Jay will be an excellent Shelby County District Court Judge.”

Attorney Shane Oncale echoed that sentiment, pointing to both Welborn’s professionalism and his character.

“I am fortunate to know Jay on both a personal and professional level,” Oncale said. “As a professional, he is a tenacious advocate who is always prepared. And on a personal level, I know that faith and family are not just campaign words for Jay, they are how he lives his life. I would trust him with my family, and you should trust him with yours.”

Welborn’s experience extends far beyond one corner of the legal system. Over the years, he has handled matters that reflect the very heart of a District Court docket, from traffic cases and criminal defense to civil disputes, domestic relations, collections, and protection orders. He has also served the State of Alabama as a hearing officer for the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, presiding over parole violation hearings and conducting evidentiary proceedings that demanded fairness, patience, and careful judgment.

For Shelby County business owner Torre DeVito, that range of experience matters deeply.

“As a resident and business owner in Shelby County, I believe in supporting candidates with real-world experience and a proven commitment to our community,” DeVito said. “That’s why I wholeheartedly endorse Jay Welborn for District Judge. The District Court handles the daily issues that directly affect our families and our local businesses, from small claims to family law matters. That requires a judge with a broad, deep foundation, and Jay has it.”

Even members of the judiciary have voiced confidence in Welborn’s readiness to serve. Colbert County District Judge Chad Smith praised Welborn’s dedication to the law.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jay Welborn for several years,” Smith said. “Jay is a hard worker who is deeply dedicated to the rule of law, and it shows in everything he does. I am confident he will serve Shelby County well as District Judge.”

Attorney Kristin K. Stamps, founder of LawyerUp, LLC, says Welborn’s combination of experience and compassion sets him apart.

“The district court is truly the court of the people,” Stamps said. “It’s often the front door to Alabama’s judicial system, where individuals seek protection, victims seek justice, and families face some of the hardest moments of their lives. Jarred Welborn understands that responsibility. He is exceptionally well-versed in the areas of law that come before this court, and he has practiced on both sides of the courtroom, giving him a balanced and rare perspective.”

For Welborn, the growing financial support reflects more than campaign strength, it reflects trust.

“This isn’t a steppingstone for me,” he said. “My heart is right here, serving Shelby County. I’m thankful that so many in our community are stepping forward to support this campaign because they believe in restoring confidence in our courts.”

At the core of Welborn’s campaign is a promise he often shares with voters: Faith, Freedom, and Fairness.

Faith — in God and in restoring trust in the courts.
Freedom — by respecting the Constitution and refusing to legislate from the bench.
Fairness — by treating every person who enters the courtroom with dignity, impartiality, and respect.

“Justice should never feel distant or political,” Welborn said. “People deserve a court they can trust, one guided by principles, not pressure.”

Jarred “Jay” Welborn will appear on the Republican ballot as a candidate for Shelby County District Court Judge, Place 3, offering voters a conservative, experienced, and service-driven choice for the future of Shelby County’s courts on May 19.

For more information on Jay Welborn, visit welbornforjudge.com or follow the campaign on Facebook.