Opinion | Alabama has a host of prominent political leaders under 45

For the casual observer, taking a cursory look at our political leaders reveals that may we have some pretty old folks in positions of power.

Our new president, Donald Trump, is not a spring chicken at 78. Our own Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is 80. However, a new generation of Alabama leaders are taking center stage in our state. Most of these leaders are already making their mark. Allow me to share with you a host of Alabama’s most prominent leaders who are 45 or younger. You will be surprised how many of our state’s most prominent leaders fit into this under 45 age group.

The most prominent and promising young leader in our state is our sensational superstar, United States Senator Katie Boyd Britt. As was expected, she hit the ground running when she was elected two years ago. At 43 years old, she is probably Alabama’s most popular political figure. Katie has set the woods on fire in Washington. Her committee assignments reveal that she is considered part of the GOP Senate majority leadership. As a freshman, she serves on the four most prestigious committees – Appropriations, Rules, Banking and Judiciary. She has begun to bring home the bacon through her seat on Appropriations. She learned from the best, her mentor, Senator Richard Shelby. Katie has the making of another Shelby.

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth is only 44. He is beginning his seventh year in his job. The primary function of the lieutenant governor is to preside over the state senate. He has done an excellent job in this capacity. He won the veteran senators over early with his diligence in learning the intricate rules of the senate and presiding fairly and judiciously. The Republican senators really like him and have delegated some power to him. Ainsworth is currently the favorite to win the upcoming 2026 governor’s race.

Shomari Figures just became our second Democratic congressman. Figures, a Mobile native and resident, is only 39. He is the son of legendary Mobile state senators, the late Senator Michael Figures and current veteran, revered Senator Vivian Figures.

Our state auditor, Andrew Sorrell, is only 39. He is doing a good job in his first term as auditor. He is efficient in a non-flamboyant way. He has a good future in Alabama politics.

There are two state senators that shine as under 45 leaders. Senator Andrew Jones of Cherokee and Etowah Counties is one of the best. He works hard in Montgomery and back home in his district. He just turned 40. Another rising star is Senator Wes Kitchens of Marshall County. He just moved from the House to the Senate. Wes is only 35.

Speaking of the House of Representatives, there are four stars on the rise that deserve mention. Representative Anthony Daniels is one of the most prominent leaders in the House. He effectively works across the aisle. Anthony is only 42 and is the Democratic leader of the House. Republican James Lomax hails from the Huntsville/Madison area like Anthony Daniels. Lomax was first elected in 2022 and is stellar. Republican Matt Simpson, a Baldwin County attorney, has already become a go-to leader in the House. Young Sand Mountain Republican Brock Colvin is the new majority whip and is only 28 years old.

Paul Shashy has become the most prominent campaign manager guru in the state. He has a brilliant track record. He has managed both of our U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville’s and Katie Britt’s campaigns. His door is being banged on a lot right now as folks are trying to line him up for their 2026 campaigns. Shashy is only 33.

Derek Chen, a young Jefferson County lawyer and businessman, has become the go-to guy for Republican political players throughout the state. I have never seen a 27-year-old be as connected as Derek Chen.

Caroleene Dobson, who is only 37, ran a brilliant campaign for Congress last year. She has a bright future in politics, if she wants it. 

Brandon Shouppe is doing an outstanding job as chairman of the Houston County Commission. He has a bright future in Wiregrass politics.

Pell City native Emory Cox, who is only 29, has just been commissioned as special assistant to President Trump for International Economic Relations at the White House. He was previously Senator Tommy Tuberville’s senior economic advisor.

Two veteran prominent lobbyists, Taylor Williams of Power South and Houston Smith of Alabama Power, are both under 45. 

Hollis and Erin Marshall have quietly become political favorites among Jefferson/Shelby County Republicans. Grayson Everett is an outstanding editor-in-chief of the popular leading conservative online Yellowhammer News. He is very young. Tuscaloosa high schooler Brilyn Hollyhand has an online conservative political podcast that has gone nationwide.

Alabama has a host of political leaders under 45.

See you next week.