Businessman Todd Mitchem on Wednesday announced the launch of his campaign for the Alabama House of Representatives, District 26.

The seat Mitchem is seeking is currently held by State Rep. Kerry Rich (R-Albertville), who has opted to retire from his service in the legislature.

Mitchem, a Marshall County native, owns and operates multiple properties in Albertville and Gulf Shores. He formerly served as a high school and college instructor and is the son of late two-term State Sen. Hinton Mitchem.

He is a graduate of Snead State Community College, where he received an associate degree in pre-law. Mitchem obtained his bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in political science with minors in history and business. He went on to obtain two graduate degrees from the University of South Alabama and Jacksonville State University.

While attending college, Mitchem served as an intern for U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) and former Alabama Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Bevill.

“I work to do as much as I can to help the people of Marshall County,” stated Mitchem in announcing his candidacy. “I have been able to provide a lot of service through my work with CASA and Hospice. The opportunity to serve more people in an even greater capacity is the reason I decided to enter this race for State Representative.”

Over the past decade, Mitchem has served the Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound (CASA) of Marshall County. His duties as board member of the organization include serving as chairman of its largest fundraising committee. Additionally, Mitchem serves on the board of directors for the Shephard’s Cove Hospice Foundation.

He concluded, “As a lifelong resident of Marshall County, I know our people’s values and what our community needs to grow and prosper. I believe I can make a difference to benefit people’s lives, given the opportunity to serve.”

House District 26 encompasses southern Marshall County. The primary election will take place May 24, 2022.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL