Calhoun County, AL – Both the Calhoun County Republican Party and the Calhoun County Democratic Party have released information regarding candidate qualifying for the 2026 election cycle, outlining timelines, offices up for election, and qualifying requirements.
The Calhoun County Republican Party announced that it will begin qualifying county candidates on January 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Saks Community Center, located at 20 Hess Drive, Anniston, AL 36206. The elected positions available are Calhoun County Commissioner, Calhoun County Coroner, Calhoun County Sheriff, and Calhoun County Revenue Commissioner. Individuals seeking to run for one of these positions will be required to submit qualifying documents and pay a qualifying fee of two percent of the yearly salary. Those interested who have further questions may call James Bennett at 256-239-3150 or Kim McCarson at 256-310-1896.
Chairman James Bennett of the Republican Party noted, “The candidate qualifying period is an important first step in the election process and provides an opportunity for individuals who wish to serve Calhoun County to come forward. The Calhoun County Republican Party encourages qualified conservative candidates who are committed to public service, accountability, and the responsibilities of county government to participate in the 2026 election cycle.”
The Calhoun County Democratic Party also released details regarding candidate qualifying for the 2026 election cycle. Sheila Degan Gilbert, Calhoun County Democratic Party Chairwoman, stated, “The work we do as Democrats—grounded in fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all—is both worthy and necessary. Together, we will move forward with purpose, compassion, and ‘hope for ALL the people,’ not just a selected few.”
Gilbert added, “The upcoming election will determine the direction taken to make sure our state is on the right path to improve issues such as keeping our hospitals and doctors; affordable healthcare for ALL; jobs that pay a living wage; a good education for ALL – not just for the privileged; the struggling economy; and we want to see that EVERYBODY is able to put food on the table.”
She further noted, “This qualifying period is the first step for candidates who want to help usher in a more inclusive future for Alabama and who are willing to stand up and speak out for ALL the people in Alabama.”
According to the party, “The Calhoun County Democratic Party opens candidate qualifying for the 2026 election cycle on Monday, January 5, 2026, and qualifying will close on Friday, January 23rd.”
Calhoun County offices up in 2026 include Calhoun County Commission Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (Fred Wilson, Danny Shears, Carolyn Henderson, Terry Howell, and Lee Patterson), as well as Sheriff, Coroner, and Tax Assessor. The candidate qualifying fee is 2% of the position’s annual salary including supplements, payable to the Calhoun County Democratic Executive Committee during the qualifying period ending January 23, 2026.
The Democratic Party also listed state and federal offices included in the 2026 election cycle. State offices (local)include State Senator District 12 and State Representative Districts 29, 32, 35, 36, and 40. Statewide offices include Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, and Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries. U.S. federal offices include U.S. Senator and U.S. House of Representatives. For these positions, the candidate qualifying fee is 2% of the position’s annual salary including supplements, payable to the Alabama Democratic Party during the qualifying period ending January 23, 2026.
