Mercer Running on “Community First, Country Forward” in AL-06

Former Pelham City Council President Maurice Mercer has entered the race for Alabama's 6th Congressional District, launching a Democratic campaign centered on lowering costs for families, bipartisan cooperation, and what he describes as "community-first" leadership.

Mercer announced his candidacy as voters prepare for the Aug. 11 Democratic Special Primary to choose a nominee for Alabama's 6th District. The district includes all or parts of Autauga, Bibb, Chilton, Coosa, Elmore, Jefferson, Shelby, and Talladega Counties. The winner of the Democratic primary will advance to the Nov. 3 special general election.

A longtime Pelham resident, Mercer served more than 12 years on the Pelham City Council, including five years as Council President. During his tenure, he was elected three times at large and says he focused on public safety, schools, infrastructure, economic development, and responsible budgeting.

"I'm running for Congress because working families deserve a representative who understands the challenges they face and will show up, listen, and fight for them," Mercer said. "People are concerned about the war in Iran, the rising cost of groceries, gas, housing, healthcare, and raising a family. Washington needs leaders focused on solving those problems and not creating more division."

Mercer says his background spans public service, private business, organized labor, and community service. His campaign notes that he has owned a small business, worked in the private sector, served as a union organizer, coached youth sports, and served on nonprofit boards, including the Community of Hope Health Clinic, Arc of Shelby County, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

His platform calls for lowering costs for working families, expanding access to affordable health care, strengthening public education and workforce training, supporting small businesses, protecting Social Security and Medicare, standing with veterans and first responders, and creating greater economic opportunity.

Mercer also argues that Congress has become too divided to address the nation's problems.

"My campaign is about putting people over politics and moving our country forward," Mercer said. "It's time for Congress to work together on bipartisan bills and move our country forward. I believe public service should be about serving people, and I believe Alabama deserves a Congressman who will be present, accessible, and accountable."

Mercer has also pledged to hold 12 town hall meetings during his first two-year term if elected, saying regular public meetings are essential to keeping elected officials accountable.

Mercer graduated from Troy University with a degree in business administration and works as an account executive for a Fortune 500 company. In 2012, he became the first African American elected to the Pelham City Council. He later served as council president from 2020 through 2025, earned the designation of Advanced Certified Municipal Officer, and was nominated for Public Servant of the Year for three consecutive years. Mercer is married to educator Dr. Amanda Mercer, and the couple have three daughters. 

Mercer is one of four Democrats seeking the party's nomination for the 6th District seat in the Aug. 11 special primary. He will face Jacob Bouma-Sims, Ashtyn Kennedy, and Keith Pilkington. The Republican primary includes incumbent Rep. Gary Palmer and challenger Case Dixon.

For more information: https://www.mauricemercer.com.