Everett W. Wess Announces Candidacy for U.S. Senate in Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BuzzReport)— Civil rights attorney, former judge, and longtime public servant Everett W. Wess formally announced today that he is running for the United States Senate from Alabama, launching a Democratic campaign centered on justice reform, economic opportunity, and protecting democracy.

In a statement marking the start of his campaign, Wess said he is “humbled, grateful, and determined” to seek federal office, citing deep concerns about rising healthcare costs, low wages, underfunded schools, and what he described as growing threats to voting rights and equal justice.

“I’m running because I believe deeply in Alabama and in the people who make this state strong,” Wess said. “Our democracy and our justice system must work for everyone—not just the wealthy, the powerful, or the well-connected.”

Wess brings a multifaceted background to the race, combining legal, judicial, technological, and educational experience. A Birmingham resident and member of the Avondale Church of Christ, he is a graduate of Selma University, Alabama A&M University, and the Birmingham School of Law—institutions he credits with shaping his commitment to public service and opportunity.

For more than 20 years, Wess has practiced law in Alabama and has served as Managing Partner of The Wess Law Firm since 2001. His legal career has focused heavily on criminal defense, including representation in serious felony and capital cases. He also served for a decade on the Federal Criminal Justice Act panel, advocating for indigent defendants in federal court, and has authored appellate briefs in both state and federal jurisdictions.

In addition to his defense work, Wess has held roles throughout the justice system. He has served as a Municipal Court Judge in Midfield, a city prosecutor, and a public defender in Irondale—experience he says gave him a rare, comprehensive view of how the justice system succeeds and fails.

“Accountability and fairness must go hand in hand,” Wess said. “I’ve seen what happens when justice is delayed, denied, or applied unequally.”

Before entering the legal field, Wess spent more than a decade working in Huntsville in technology, engineering, and education. His work supported NASA mission operations, national security systems, telecommunications infrastructure, and workforce development initiatives. He also served as an adjunct instructor at Faulkner University, teaching students practical skills aimed at long-term career success.

Wess is admitted to practice in all Alabama state courts, federal courts within the state, and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. He has held leadership roles across Alabama’s legal community and currently serves as State President of the Alabama New South Coalition, an organization focused on civic engagement and equity.

Despite his résumé, Wess emphasized that his Senate bid is driven by concern for everyday Alabamians who feel excluded from economic growth and political decision-making.

“Washington listens too much to special interests and not enough to working families, seniors, and young people,” he said.

Running as a Democrat, Wess says his platform includes protecting voting rights, expanding access to affordable healthcare, strengthening public education, promoting job growth and innovation statewide, and ensuring a justice system that treats every person with dignity.

“Alabama deserves a senator who listens, understands the law, and has walked with working people—not just talked about them,” Wess said.

The campaign enters a high-stakes political environment in a state where Democrats have struggled to gain statewide traction, but Wess expressed confidence that a people-centered message can resonate across rural, urban, and suburban communities.

“Together, we can build a more fair, more inclusive, and more prosperous Alabama,” he said. “And we can make the United States Senate work for the people again.”

Wess concluded his announcement by asking voters for their support, voice, and vote, adding, “God bless the great State of Alabama.”