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Everett Wess

Everett Wess

Democratic

Everett Wess is a Birmingham attorney and former Midfield Municipal Court judge who won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Alabama in June 2026. He will face Republican Barry Moore in the November 2026 general election for the seat being vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville. His campaign priorities include raising the federal minimum wage, eliminating taxes on tips, protecting voting rights, and expanding access to affordable healthcare.

Positions on Key Issues

Healthcare

medium

Wess identifies affordable healthcare and increased access to care as a key campaign priority, emphasizing funding medical providers in rural Alabama and supporting hospitals in underserved areas. He has not detailed a specific legislative proposal.

Climate/Energy

low

No public position found

No supporting sources available

Economy

high

Wess says he wants to stabilize the job market by raising the federal minimum wage (currently $7.25/hour) and eliminating taxes on tips for service workers. He frames economic opportunity and better-paying jobs as central to his Senate platform.

Abortion & Reproductive Health

medium

Wess said in a written statement that he will "continue fighting for Alabama families, voting rights, reproductive freedom, economic opportunity, and equal justice as the Democratic nominee." His primary opponent, Dakarai Larriett, accused him of previously describing himself as pro-life, though Wess has not publicly detailed a specific abortion policy position.

Immigration

low

No public position found

Civil Rights & Equality

high

Wess says his campaign would advocate for voting rights and equal justice and establish a justice system that works for all. His campaign describes him as a civil-rights advocate and frames protecting Alabamians’ rights as a fundamental campaign pillar.

Education

medium

Wess says he supports strengthening or maintaining a federal Department of Education so it can provide grants and student loans, arguing that education expands opportunity and helps people enter the workforce. No newer education-specific statement or action published after June 22, 2026 was located in the searches conducted.

Firearms & Second Amendment

medium

Wess has publicly stated that he believes in the Second Amendment. No more specific firearms-policy proposal or post-June 22, 2026 update was identified in the searches conducted.

Local Issues

low

No public position found

No supporting sources available

Election Policy

medium

Wess supports codifying protections against racial and partisan gerrymandering, arguing redistricting should ensure every Alabamian's vote has a meaningful voice. He did not clarify his position on the SAVE America Act in a June 2026 interview, and his campaign describes protecting voting rights as a priority.

Background

Career History

Managing Partner 2000 – Present
The Wess Law Firm, P.C.

Attorney and managing partner of his Birmingham-based law firm.

Judge
Midfield Municipal Court

Served as a municipal court judge in Midfield, Jefferson County for eight years.

Software Consultant 1999 – 2002
Banctec, Inc

Software consultant.

Software/Systems Consultant 1996 – 1999
Comsys, Inc

Software/systems consultant.

Software Analyst 1986 – 1996
NTI and TRW

Software analyst.

Education

Birmingham School of Law Juris Doctor (2000)
Alabama A&M University Master of Business Administration (1995)
Alabama A&M University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (1985)
Selma Junior University Associate Degree in Music Education (1981)

Top Donors

Raised approximately $83,340 in total receipts for the 2026 Senate cycle (through June 30, 2026), with only about $12,700 in individual contributions and roughly $70,600 in candidate self-loans — no PAC or party committee contributions. His fundraising is almost entirely small-dollar and self-funded, reflecting a low-budget grassroots campaign. FEC data shows he ended the reporting period with negative cash on hand of about -$10,000.

Voting Record

Wess has never held legislative office, so he has no legislative voting record. He is a Birmingham attorney and former Midfield Municipal Court judge (eight years) in Jefferson County, and has run unsuccessfully for circuit and probate judgeships. He previously ran as a Republican for the Alabama House in 1993 before becoming a Democrat; his governing approach is reflected in campaign priorities of raising the federal minimum wage, eliminating taxes on tips, preventing racial and partisan gerrymandering, and protecting voting rights and affordable healthcare.

About this research

Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 8/3/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.

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