Violet Edwards Enters Alabama State Auditor Race

After encouragement from local leaders and supporters Statewide, Madison County Commissioner Violet Edwards has announced her run for Alabama State Auditor on the Democratic ticket.

Edwards, first elected to the Madison County Commission in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, became the first Black woman to serve on the Commission. During her time in office, she has overseen County departments, managed public resources and guided investments in workforce development, senior services, food access and infrastructure. She says the careful budgeting and transparency required in those roles align with the Auditor’s duties.

“At a time when voters are demanding real accountability from the State government, the State Auditor’s office cannot be a passive role,” Edwards said in announcing her candidacy. “The choice in this race will be between continuing business as usual or electing a leader who can bring independent oversight, transparency, and integrity back to how Alabama manages public assets.”

The State Auditor is a constitutional officer responsible for auditing the State Treasurer’s accounts, tracking State-owned property and reporting on the handling of public assets and funds, duties that serve as checks on government spending and stewardship.

Edwards brings both public- and private-sector experience to her campaign. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Alabama and an MBA from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She previously worked in television and radio news, earning Associated Press awards for investigative and feature reporting. She later moved into community leadership and public service.

“Alabamians deserve more than to talk about efficiency; they deserve results. I’ve managed public money, made tough decisions, and delivered real outcomes,” Edwards said. “I’m running to bring that same discipline and transparency to the State Auditor’s office.”

In her county role, Edwards also served as the Commission’s liaison to the Madison County Board of Registrars, where she advocated for professional standards, adequate staffing and fair compensation as local election duties expanded. She says that experience strengthens her understanding of the Auditor’s responsibilities.

Edwards serves on the Association of County Commissions of Alabama’s Minority Steering Committee, which supported 2025 legislation aimed at standardizing registrar operations and boosting accountability across counties.

She also pointed to the potential expansion of the State Auditor’s authority as a sign that experienced leadership is needed in Montgomery.

“The State Auditor should work for the people, not the political system,” Edwards said. “When it comes to State property, it’s not about red or blue — it’s about your assets, your property, and where your tax dollars went.”

Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones welcomed Edwards’ entry into the race and applauded her record. “She has quickly become an impactful leader not afraid to ask hard questions and work toward solutions,” Jones said. “Her leadership in Madison County has shown a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources.”

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