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Alabama Senator Merika Coleman has announced her candidacy for Treasurer of the Democratic National Committee. With over two decades of legislative experience and a commitment to Democratic values, Coleman hopes to take her vision for greater financial transparency and elevate the DNC’s financial operations to new heights.
Currently serving as a state senator in Alabama and Chair of the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus, Coleman has built a distinguished career marked by historic firsts and transformative leadership. Before joining the Alabama Senate, she served 20 years in the Alabama House of Representatives, including as assistant minority leader — the first person to hold this position. Throughout her career, she has championed groundbreaking legislation addressing human trafficking, racial justice, healthcare reform, economic equity, and more.
“While I am new to the DNC’s internal leadership structure, I am not new to the Democratic Party,” said Coleman. “I’ve spent my career championing Democratic values, fighting for equity, and building coalitions that drive meaningful change. I started my career as a community organizer and economic justice strategist. That’s just who I am. Organizing is in my blood.”
As treasurer, Coleman’s top priorities would include enhancing transparency and accountability within the DNC’s financial systems.
“Democrats lead the way in fighting for integrity and justice, and our party’s financial practices must reflect those same values,” said Coleman. “I am committed to fostering trust through open communication, clear financial reporting, and strategic allocation of resources to amplify the voices of all communities, particularly those historically underserved.”
Her track record of fiscal stewardship is evident in her work on Alabama’s powerful Ways and Means Committee, where she helps oversee the budget for all state departments. Coleman also brings extensive academic and professional credentials to the role, holding a Master of Public Administration and a Juris Doctorate. In addition to her legislative work, she serves as the Director of the Judge U.W. Clemon Center for Economic and Social Justice at Miles College an HBCU where she leads initiatives that promote social equity and economic opportunity. In addition, she owns a law firm specializing in family and estate law.
Nationally, Coleman has earned a reputation as a thought leader on issues such as human trafficking, voting rights, and economic development. She has been a featured guest on national platforms like MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show and Reverend Jesse Jackson’s Keep Hope Alive.
As a lifelong Democrat, Coleman’s record speaks to her commitment to advancing the Democratic platform: She has been elected as a national delegate to the Democratic National Convention multiple times, including 2024. Coleman led efforts to ensure President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on Alabama’s ballot through landmark legislation. She has served in advisory roles for numerous candidates on the local, state, and federal level including Alabama Women for Obama Chair, Hillary for America-Alabama, and Mike Bloomberg for President.
Coleman’s candidacy for DNC Treasurer is rooted in a belief that financial transparency is essential to building trust within the party and among voters. She aims to ensure resources are deployed effectively to empower grassroots efforts, energize local communities, and support Democratic candidates at all levels.
“I am honored to step forward for this critical role at such a pivotal moment for our party and our nation,” Coleman said. “Together, we will fortify the DNC’s foundation, expand opportunity, and ensure that every dollar spent reflects our mission to protect democracy and advance progress.”
Her campaign reflects a lifetime of dedication to public service and a vision for the future of the Democratic Party — one that prioritizes equity, accountability, and the empowerment of communities across the nation.
