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FROM STAFF REPORTS

COLUMBIANA – Accomplished attorney, small business owner and lifelong servant leader Jarred “Jay” Welborn officially announced his candidacy for District Court judge, Place 3, in Shelby County.

This newly created judgeship, established by the Alabama Legislature in response to the county’s rapid growth and increasing court caseload, is set for election in 2026.

Welborn, a legal professional with more than a decade of experience practicing before municipal, probate, district, circuit and federal courts, is the first candidate to declare for the seat. He is the founding partner of J. Welborn & Associates, PLLC where he has led a diverse general practice firm serving clients across Alabama.

“I believe Shelby County deserves a district court judge who brings a wide lens and well-rounded experience to the bench,” Welborn said. “This is not just a job for me, it is a calling shaped by years of professional and personal development. I have spent my career serving people from all walks of life, and I am ready to continue that service in a new and important way.”

Welborn earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama and his Juris Doctor from the Birmingham School of Law. His legal résumé includes serving as a hearing officer for the state of Alabama where he presided over state agency hearings while maintaining order and proper decorum and served as the finder of fact by taking testimony to determine the admissibility of evidence and other legal matters, and issuing written recommendations and fair, impartial decisions.

Throughout his career, Welborn has worked to build a reputation for hard work, balanced judgment and a commitment to justice. His background spans a wide range of legal areas, from criminal defense and civil litigation to family law, domestic relations and debt collections giving him a broad foundation suited to the district court bench.

The Shelby County District Court handles a wide array of cases, including traffic violations, small claims, evictions, civil matters under $20,000 and domestic issues like child support, custody and protection from abuse orders.

Welborn said he believes his diverse legal and professional background makes him exceptionally equipped to preside over this broad and demanding docket.

“What sets me apart is the totality of my experience,” Welborn explained. “I have not just practiced in one area of the law. I have managed operations in the private sector, represented clients across nearly every court level in Alabama and served in legal roles for the state. I know how to work hard, and I know how to lead with fairness and empathy and always anchored in the law.”

Welborn’s work in Shelby County goes far beyond the courtroom. He has served as president of the Shelby County Bar Association and is the executive board chair of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Shelby County. He actively volunteers with the Shelby County Children’s Policy Council, is a former registered mediator with the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution and serves as an officer on the Brookland Christian Academy School Board. He and his wife, the Honorable Erin Welborn, along with their three children, have deep roots in Shelby County.

“I don’t view this as a stepping stone to something else,” Jay Welborn said. “This is where I want to serve. I am not seeking a higher bench or political promotion. My passion is here, at the district court level, where people come for help every day, with everyday issues-where fairness, efficiency and compassion matter most.”

Jay Welborn is a member of both the Alabama and Shelby County Republican parties and is committed to carrying out the duties of district judge with the highest standard of integrity.

“As I’ve prayed and reflected on this opportunity, I’ve come to see that this isn’t just about ambition, it’s about alignment,” Welborn said. “I believe God has been preparing me for this through a lifetime of experience. I am ready to give back, to serve well and to uphold the values that make Shelby County such a remarkable place to live and work.”

For more information about Jay Welborn and his campaign for District Court judge, visit WelbornForJudge.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/JayWelbornForJudge. The Republican primary is set for May 19, 2026, with the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.