Calhoun County Circuit Court Judge Debra Jones on Wednesday held a formal campaign announcement event on the steps of the Calhoun County Courthouse to announce her candidacy for Associate Justice on the Alabama Supreme Court.
Jones was introduced by Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade, a Republican.
“It is an honor to be able to be able to introduce my friend Judge Debra Jones,” Wade said.
“She is not scared to hold the Sheriff in line,” the sheriff said.
“I have spent 31 years in this courthouse,” Jones said. “These are my friends and family.”
“ I started in the DA’s office when I was 26 years,” Jones said. “I am in my 11th year on the bench. I am not seeking reelection for a third term.”
Instead, Jones announced that she is running for an open seat on the Alabama Supreme Court.
“I bring to the court 31 years of courtroom experience,” Jones told the many colleagues and supporters present. “I have handled every kind of case there is.”
“I have over 11,000 felonies that I have disposed of,” Jones said.
“I have held 73 jury trials as a judge and 25 as an assistant district attorney,” Jones said. “I have over 100 jury trials in my career.”
“The Alabama Supreme Court only has two trial judges out of nine justices,” Jones said. “Judicial experience matters.”
“I look forward to representing all of you on the Supreme Court,” Jones said.
“We have five grown grandchildren and two grandchildren,” Jones said.
Three of her children were present at the announcement. The other two are a pastor at a church in North Carolina and one is serving in the armed forces overseas in Japan.
Alabama Republican Party Counsel Greg Cook has also announced that he is running for the Alabama Supreme Court.
The Republican primary will be on May 24, 2022.
