Bessemer Gears Up for November 5th Elections: A Closer Look at Contested Races

Bessemer Elections: Your Guide to the Contested Races

As we gear up for the elections on November 5th, Bessemer is buzzing with anticipation! Jefferson County is hosting some exciting contested races including positions for circuit clerk, deputy treasurer, and assistant tax collector, as well as two crucial probate judge positions. Here’s the lowdown on the candidates and what they bring to the table.

Circuit Clerk of Jefferson County Bessemer Division

Let’s kick things off with the circuit clerk race which features Karen Dunn Burks (D) facing off against Camilo Fuller (R). Karen is no stranger to the office; she has been the deputy circuit clerk since 2012 and has a strong background in the Jefferson County Tax Assessor’s office. Fun fact: she is the daughter of the late Alabama Rep. Priscilla Dunn, with her father serving as the assistant tax collector! Talk about a family legacy!

On the other side, we have Camilo Fuller, who previously worked as the assistant to the Bessemer mayor and has served as a senior pastor at Love Conquers All Assembly of Christ. With his experience in local government and education, Fuller hopes to bring a fresh perspective to the circuit clerk position.

Deputy Treasurer Jefferson County Bessemer

Next up, the race for the Jefferson County Deputy Treasurer! The incumbent, Sherry McClain (D), has been on the job since 2013 and is passionate about transparency and using technology for efficient taxpayer management. Before she took on this role, McClain directed community affairs for the Jefferson County Commission.

Challenging her is Delor Baumann (R), who previously served as mayor of Hueytown. Baumann brings a wealth of experience from his many years of community service, and he insists that he’s running to fulfill a promise to his late wife, making it a deeply personal campaign!

Assistant Tax Collector Jefferson County Bessemer

Now let’s shine a light on the assistant tax collector race, where Ron Marshall (D) is seeking re-election against newcomer Johnny Curry (R). Ron Marshall, with four terms on the Bessemer City Council under his belt and vast experience in the broadcast and telecommunications industry, is a familiar face.

Meanwhile, Johnny Curry, who was recently appointed to this role, has a rich political history with four terms in the Alabama House of Representatives and a passion for public service, saying he enjoys helping people in any capacity he can.

Probate Judge Races

Also on the ballot are two races for probate judge – a very important role in managing estate matters. For Probate Judge Place 1, we have Yashiba “Red” Blanchard (D), a seasoned lawyer who has worked as a special circuit court judge, versus John Amari (R), who is committed to election integrity. Both have experience and legal backgrounds that could serve them well in this crucial position!

Then we jump to Probate Judge Place 2, where the competition heats up between Jameria Johnson Moore (D), a partner at Sperling & Moore, and Joel Blankenship (R), who has a personal connection to the probate court. Both area figures are keen on ensuring that the probate office runs efficiently and effectively.

As you can see, there’s a lot happening in Bessemer! With a mix of experienced incumbents and enthusiastic challengers, it’s safe to say that the outcomes of these races could shape our community for years to come. Don’t forget to research your options and make your voice heard on Tuesday!