Jeanne Dowdle Rizzardi, who brings over three decades of experience in law, has declared her candidacy for District Judge in Madison County.

Currently serving as Associate City Attorney in Huntsville, Rizzardi has addressed a variety of legal matters impacting the community for the last ten years. Before this role, she established private practices with a focus on family law, particularly involving child-related cases. She started her legal journey in insurance defense law in Talladega.

“I am running for district judge because I believe that Madison County families deserve a judge who brings experience, fairness, and compassion to the court,” Rizzardi expressed. “I’ve dedicated my career to serving others. I believe for justice to be effective, both the heart and the law need to work for everyone.”

She has served three terms on Alabama’s Bar Committee and is currently the president of a charity affiliated with the Alabama Law Foundation. Previously, she led the Pro Bono Task Force, offering legal services to individuals in need.

Apart from her legal pursuits, Rizzardi holds a position on the board and has been chairman at the Christian Jobcorp in Madison County. She also chairs their annual Circles Lunch and is involved with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Orchestra Guild, serving as the chair of the Finance Committee.

“We are dedicated to ensuring our courts embody fairness, integrity, and the importance of our services,” Rizzardi remarked. “I am prepared to bring a stable hand and a servant’s heart to the bench.”

Rizzardi earned degrees from Auburn University, the University of Alabama, and the University of Alabama School of Law.

She and her husband, Judge Don Lizardi, attend First Baptist Church in Huntsville and they are parents and grandparents to a blended family of six children and three grandchildren.

The Republican primary election is set for May 19, 2026.