My name is JARRED "JAY" WELBORN. I am running to serve you as a District Court Judge in Shelby County, AL

Faith has always been the compass of my life. It shapes how I raise my children, treat my neighbor, and serve on the bench as Shelby County’s new District Court Judge. However, as a candidate, when I talk about faith, I mean more than just my personal beliefs. I mean restoring the public’s faith in our judicial system.

District Court is where everyday life intersects with the Court system, and it's often where the public first engages with the Court. People should never step into a courtroom wondering if justice is only for some. Our neighbors deserve to have confidence and faith that the law applies equally, whether you wear a suit or coveralls, whether you live in the valley or on the ridge. That’s the kind of courtroom I will run. One founded on trust, not titles.

Freedom is the thread that runs through every part of our American story, but it cannot stand without strong institutions. As your District Judge, I will respect the separation of powers. I won’t legislate from the bench, and I will not pander to political agendas in the courtroom.

The role of a judge is not to create law, it’s to interpret it, apply it fairly, and guard against the misuse of power. If we lose that balance, we lose more than order, we lose liberty, and I refuse to let that liberty deteriorate on my watch.

Fairness is the foundation of justice. When you or someone you love comes to court, you deserve to be heard. You deserve a process that is timely, transparent, and unbiased. You should never feel rushed, overlooked, or assume that the outcome was predetermined before your case started.

That’s not fairness. That’s failure.

What I promise you is this: To listen before I rule; to honor the law above personal or political opinion; and to treat every individual with the dignity they deserve, not because of who they are, but because of what they’re entitled to as citizens of our great state and the greatest nation in the world.