Andrew Hairston (R), a local attorney in Cherokee and DeKalb Counties, announced Saturday, August 12, 2017, that he will seek the position of Circuit Judge, Place #2, for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, beginning with the Republican Primary on June 5, 2018. The Ninth Judicial Circuitincludes all of Cherokee and DeKalb Counties. Place #2 is being vacated by retiring judge, Randall Cole.
“I’m running for Circuit Judge because I believe we need honest, dependable,leadership in public office. Circuit Judges are entrusted with the most important assignment of protecting the constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Alabama. I pledge that, if elected, I will be a faithful servant to the amazing people of Cherokee and DeKalb Counties.”
Hairston adds that he has the extensive legal experience required of a judge. He also understands the commitment required of a public servant as he currently serves as the Municipal Judge in both Fort Payne and Geraldine; serves as the Prosecutor in Sylvania; and serves as the Public Defender in Rainsville.
“In my legal career, I’ve been a judge, prosecutor and public defender. I believe serving in those positions, as well as the experience garnered from my law practice, allows me the unique opportunity to be the most qualified candidate for this
position.”
Hairston was raised on Lookout Mountain, in DeKalb County. He received his Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from Jacksonville State University and received his Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law.
“I grew up working on my family’s small farm. Later, I mowed grass, swept floors and cleaned toilets to put myself through college and law school. There is no shame in hard work. My father taught me the value of a good day’s work, while my sweet mother taught me to love God and love your neighbor.”
Hairston is a lifelong servant to his community, having been elected to the Fort Payne City Council in 2004 at age 19, serving until he moved to attend law school. He has also served on numerous community boards and programs throughout the local area, including currently serving as the Chairman of the DeKalb County Relay for Life Committee, which is the local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
“Public service is in my heart-it’s who I am. As a judge, I pledge to administer justice equally to the rich and poor alike, following the law without respect to race, age, gender, social status, or political beliefs. I have a deep respect for the legal order in our beloved America–that it is for the elected legislators, not a judge, to write new laws.
”Hairston is also concerned about the illegal drug problems facing young people in DeKalb and Cherokee Counties. “If elected, I pledge to confront the drug abuse epidemic head on. We need to be aggressive and administer swift justice to those individuals who manufacture, transport and distribute drugs in our communities. We also need to do a better job working with faith-based programs to help those who are struggling with addiction.
Faith-based addiction programs are of the utmost importance because I believe thatwhen God changes your heart, your habits change as well” Hairston is excited about the opportunity to talk with as many possible people in the coming months.
“My family andI have been praying about this decision for several months. We are excited and look forward to the June 5, 2016, primary election.”Hairston would like to invite everyone out to his Campaign Kickoff Rally on Tuesday, September 11, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at the historic Coal and Iron Building in Fort Payne.
For more information about Andrew Hairston and his campaign for Circuit Judge, visit his website at www.andrewhairston.com, or by phone at 256-630-0677.