Why I’m Running — and the Journey That Prepared Me
It is important to me to communicate directly with the people whose trust and vote I am asking for. While I look forward to meeting and connecting with as many people as possible face to face, we are fortunate to live in a time that allows for open and meaningful communication through social media and the internet as well. That is what I intend to do here.
I thought there was no better way to begin these campaign updates than by sharing my story. This is an opportunity for you to learn who I am — the values I hold, the experiences that have shaped me, the accomplishments I am proud of, and the challenges that have helped me grow. My goal is to be open and honest with the people I hope to serve. These updates will not only be a way to share my views, priorities, and hopes for Senate District 25, but also a way for you to hear directly from me, personally and authentically.
First and foremost, I am an imperfect person who has the privilege of serving a perfect Creator. My faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, has been a steady foundation for my family through both the highs and the lows of life, and I pray that same comfort and strength is present in your lives as well. I was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. With the exception of attending Troy University in Troy, Alabama, and spending the summer between my first and second year of law school serving as a missionary in a village in Haiti, Montgomery has always been home. I work here. I attend church here. I serve here. And I am raising my children here. I grew up in the Dalraida neighborhood and attended Dalraida Elementary School. In middle school, I began attending Alabama Christian Academy, where I later graduated. After college at Troy University, I returned home to pursue my law degree at Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law.
My first job out of law school was clerking for the Supreme Court of Alabama. From there, I moved into the trial setting, serving as a prosecutor and later entering private practice, where I have remained ever since. Over the years, I have prosecuted criminal cases and defended individuals charged with serious offenses. I have seen firsthand how the criminal justice system affects victims, families, and communities. I have also had the privilege of helping people take responsibility for mistakes and work toward becoming productive, accountable members of society. Those experiences have shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to fairness and responsibility.
My family and I have lived in several parts of Montgomery County, and wherever we have lived, we have tried to be active in serving our community. My wife and I began our marriage in the Capitol Heights neighborhood, where I volunteered with the North Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department. Later, we moved to the Pike Road area, where I served with the Pike Road Volunteer Fire Department. Today, I am proud to serve with the Waugh Mt. Meigs Fire Department as a licensed EMT and firefighter. Working alongside law enforcement officers, EMS personnel, and volunteer firefighters — some of the most humble and selfless people I know — has been both a privilege and a responsibility I take seriously.
The greatest accomplishment of my life is my marriage to my beautiful wife, Alyssa, and the blessing of our three children. We are deeply grateful for the life and blessings God has given us. At the same time, I believe honesty requires acknowledging that life is not free from setbacks.
Several years ago, I made poor decisions involving alcohol that culminated in my being charged with a DUI. I take full responsibility for that conduct. I addressed it directly, complied fully with the legal process, and was accepted into and successfully completed a court-supervised pretrial diversion program. Upon completion, the case was dismissed. That experience required accountability, humility, and change, and I took it seriously. The judge overseeing my case made it clear there would be no room for error. Whether she knows it or not, that firm and uncompromising approach made me better. It forced me to slow down, evaluate my priorities, and recommit myself to my faith, my family, and my responsibilities.
Every single day, I am grateful for the growth that came from that season of my life. I believe strongly that when accountability is paired with effort, second chances can work. They worked for me, and that belief continues to shape how I view people and policy. While none of us can change our past, we are fully responsible for the direction of our future.
Some of the most meaningful moments in my professional life have come from walking alongside people who are working to rebuild after a mistake. Helping someone navigate the justice system, learn from an error, and come out stronger on the other side is deeply personal to me — not because every story is the same, but because I understand how much responsibility and support matter. Transparency builds trust, and trust allows growth to occur. I have stayed in contact with former clients long after their cases ended and have been grateful to see lives redirected in positive ways.
I do not view my past mistakes as something to hide, nor do I believe that they define me. They are one part of a larger story. A story that includes service, family, faith, accountability, and growth. What defines us is not whether we stumble, but whether we learn and move forward.
For me, this campaign is about humble service. I am running for the Alabama State Senate because I want to help make Alabama stronger. I want to serve the families, workers, first responders, small businesses, and faith communities of Senate District 25 with integrity, common sense, and a genuine commitment to showing up.
As this campaign continues, I will share more about my priorities and the issues that matter most to our district. But the theme I hope comes through clearly is simple: I care. I care about this district, this state, and the people who call it home. This race is about using my skills, experiences, and perspective to help build a stronger, more prosperous Alabama, for my family and for yours. I look forward to earning your trust and your vote.
- Ty