The Alabama Forestry Association, AFA, announced Monday its slate of judicial endorsements for the 2026 election cycle.
“One of AFA’s founding principles is supporting and upholding the Rule of Law” said Chris Isaacson, AFA president and CEO. “And each one of these judges has an excellent track record of supporting a fair and balanced legal system. We are pleased to have judges in our State that understand the direct impact they have on Alabama’s businesses and are familiar with forestry and its role in fostering Alabama’s rural economy.”
The primary election for the 2026 election cycle will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
The following candidates received the endorsement of AFA’s ForestPAC.
Alabama Supreme Court
- Brad Mendheim
- Greg Shaw
Mendheim has served on the Supreme Court since 2018. He previously served as a circuit court judge and a district judge. He earned his juris doctorate from Cumberland School of Law.
Shaw was first elected to the Court of Criminal Appeals in 2001 and went on to be elected to the Supreme Court in 2009. He is a graduate of Cumberland School of Law and earned his Master of Laws from Virginia School of Law.
Court of Civil Appeals
- Matt Fridy
- Ben Bowden
Fridy was elected to the Court of Civil Appeals in 2021. Prior to his election to the Court, he served in the House of Representatives from 2014 to 2020. He earned his juris doctorate from the Cumberland School of Law.
Bowden was recently appointed to the Court of Civil Appeals. Previously, he served as a circuit judge for Covington County Place 2. He also previously served as Covington County’s probate judge. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law.
Court of Criminal Appeals
- Mary Windom
- Beth Kellum
Windom is currently the presiding judge over the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals. She has served the Court since 2008. She previously served as an assistant United States attorney in the Southern District of Alabama. She earned her law degree from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner University.
Kellum has served on the Court of Criminal Appeals since 2009. Prior to being elected, she worked as a staff attorney for the court beginning in 1997. Kellum earned her undergraduate and law degree from the University of Alabama.
