Judge J. Elizabeth “Beth” Kellum officially qualified Monday with the Alabama Republican Party as a candidate for reelection to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 5. Kellum has served with distinction on the state’s Court of Criminal Appeals since 2008 and brings more than four decades of legal experience to Alabama’s judiciary.
Kellum said she has a long record of judicial service grounded in fairness, respect for the rule of law and a commitment to impartial justice. Her career includes service as an assistant attorney general, private practice experience and extensive work in appellate law prior to her election to the bench.
“I have been deeply honored to serve the people of Alabama on the Court of Criminal Appeals, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue that service,” Kellum said. “My focus has always been — and will remain — on applying the law fairly and consistently for everyone who comes before the court.”
Kellum’s reelection bid is supported by a broad coalition of Alabama leaders and organizations. She has been endorsed by FarmPAC, the political action committee of the Alabama Farmers Federation; ForestPac; Manufacture Alabama; ProgressPAC, the political arm of the Business Council of Alabama; and the Alabama Retail PAC. The retail PAC highlighted her “thoughtful decision-making and understanding of how consistent judicial interpretation contributes to a thriving economy.”
“Every Alabamian deserves a court system that they can trust to be fair, independent and respectful of their rights,” Kellum said. “I pledge to continue serving with integrity, diligence and an unwavering commitment to the principles that make our state strong.”
Kellum is a native of Alabama and a graduate of the University of Alabama, where she earned both her undergraduate and law degrees. She lives in Montgomery and remains actively involved in her church and community. She said her campaign centers on “preserving the integrity of Alabama’s judicial system, ensuring that criminal appeals are decided according to the law and maintaining public confidence in the courts.”
As Kellum’s name appears on the Republican primary ballot for 2026, she said she looks forward to earning the support of voters across the state who value “experience, fairness and a principled approach to justice.”
