Shalela Dowdy Announces Candidacy for Alabama House District 97 as a Democrat

Mobile, AL (BuzzReport) — Shalela Dowdy of Mobile officially entered the race for Alabama State Representative in District 97 on Friday, meeting the qualifying deadline with the Alabama Democratic Party and setting up a Democratic primary contest later this spring.

Dowdy, a Democrat, is challenging incumbent Rep. Adline Clarke, also of Mobile. With no Republican candidates qualifying for the seat, the May 19 Democratic primary is widely expected to determine who will represent District 97 in the Alabama Legislature following the general election in November.

In announcing her candidacy, Dowdy emphasized service, accountability, and community-driven leadership as the foundation of her campaign.

“I’m excited to share that I have officially qualified with the Alabama Democratic Party to run for the Alabama House of Representatives – District 97,” Dowdy said. “This campaign is about service, accountability, and making sure our communities have the representation that they deserve in the Alabama State House.”

Dowdy pointed to the words of the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm as a guiding principle for her decision to run. “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth,” she quoted, adding that the philosophy has shaped both her personal and professional life.

A current member of the United States Army, Dowdy brings a background in military service, community organizing, and civic engagement to the race. She has been active in efforts to expand voter education, advocate for fair representation at the congressional level, and amplify the voices of communities she says are too often overlooked.

“I’m running with a proven history of doing the work,” Dowdy said. “From serving in the United States Army, to organizing and educating our community, to standing up for people who are too often ignored by those in power—service isn’t something I talk about, it’s something I’ve lived.”

Dowdy described her campaign as a grassroots effort, acknowledging the challenge of running against an incumbent but expressing confidence in community-driven momentum.

“Let’s be real: I’m running against an incumbent,” she said. “That means it will truly take a village to win this race. But I believe in the power of people coming together with purpose.”

The Democratic primary for House District 97 is scheduled for May 19. Voters can learn more about Dowdy’s campaign and platform by visiting www.shaleladowdy.com.