Jessica Ventiere on Monday announced her candidacy for District Attorney of Lee County. After being appointed by Lee County judges to serve as District Attorney Pro Tem, Ventiere received an appointment from Gov. Kay Ivey (R-AL) to assume the office of Lee County District Attorney.

Ventiere says after much consideration, she felt a call to serve her home county.

“Alabama and Lee County have been good to me – giving me the opportunity to build a career, raise a family, and now announce my candidacy for District Attorney of Lee County,” Ventiere said. “After spending time praying with friends and family, I feel called to step up and continue my service to Lee County.”

A native of Enterprise, Jessica graduated from Troy State University before earning her law degree in 2003 from Cumberland School of Law.

Ventiere has served as a prosecutor for more than 16 years and has tried over 100 jury trials. Prior to her appointment by the governor, Jessica served as Chief Assistant District Attorney for Lee County.

She pledges to unabashedly support law enforcement.

Ventiere concluded, “I will ensure that the district attorney’s office serves the people of Lee County with honesty and integrity. I will back the brave men and women of law enforcement and never apologize for it. I will work tirelessly to ensure that justice is rendered without partiality, but the rule of law must be upheld.”

Ventiere’s appointment in July came on the heels of former Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes pleading guilty to two felony counts of first-degree perjury and using his office for personal gain.

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