Shelby Democrats Open County Headquarters

The Shelby County Democratic Party officially opened its new headquarters Saturday, marking what Party leaders say is the first permanent Democratic headquarters in the County's history.

The open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Party's new office, located at 211-A Yeager Parkway in Pelham, drew Democratic candidates, Party officials and supporters from across Shelby County and around Alabama. The event was held as the Party prepares for the Nov. 3 general election and the Aug. 11 special Democratic primary in Alabama's 6th Congressional District.

Shelby County Democratic Party Chair Dr. Marsha Sturdevant cut the ceremonial ribbon alongside former County Party chair Carole Marks, whom she credited with helping rebuild the local organization.

"Cutting the ribbon alongside my predecessor, Carole Marks, was an incredible honor," Sturdevant said. "It was her work in reconstituting the local Party that allowed us to grow to where we are now. As far as we know, there has never been a local Democratic headquarters in Shelby County, and now we finally have a central location to support the good and honest work we are doing for everyone in Shelby County."

Party leaders said attendees filled the headquarters to capacity during the afternoon event, touring the facility, meeting candidates and learning more about upcoming campaign efforts.

Donald Mottern, the Democratic nominee for Alabama Senate District 11 and the Shelby County Democratic Party's public relations chair, said the turnout exceeded organizers' expectations.

"Frankly, we were shocked by the overwhelming turnout for the ceremony. We filled the building to its capacity," Mottern said. "We had individuals from across the County and the State all come together to celebrate and renew our commitments to a better Alabama as we approach November. The positive and energetic spirit of everyone who turned out was not only moving, but incredibly inspiring."

Several Democratic candidates for statewide and federal office addressed those in attendance, including gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones, U.S. Senate nominee Everett Wess, State Treasurer candidate Rosilyn "Roz" Houston, Secretary of State candidate Wayne Rogers, and Public Service Commission Place 2 candidate Sheila McNeil.

Shelby County candidates also participated, including Michelle V. Knight, who is seeking election as Shelby County Tax Commissioner, and Sturdevant, who is also the Democratic candidate for Shelby County Coroner.

Democratic candidates for the Alabama House who addressed the gathering included Nell Brown (District 15), Hazel Floyd (District 38), Pam Howard (District 40), Taylor Cook (District 43), and Toni K. Vaughn (District 45). Mottern also spoke in his capacity as the Party's Senate District 11 nominee.

The event also featured three of the four Democrats seeking their Party's nomination in the Aug. 11 special primary for Alabama's 6th Congressional District: Jacob Bouma-Sims, Ashtyn Kennedy, and Maurice Mercer. Candidate Keith Pilkington was unable to attend. The special primary was called following court-ordered changes to Alabama's congressional districts.

According to Party officials, the headquarters will serve as the County organization's base for voter outreach, volunteer recruitment, campaign events, meetings and candidate support throughout the remainder of the 2026 election cycle.

The Shelby County Democratic Party announced the headquarters last year and recently listed the July 18 open house on its official calendar.

For more information, visit https://shelbycountydems.com.