Our Alabama Supreme Court is made up entirely of Republicans—nine conservative justices, to be exact. It’s not surprising, really, given that Alabama leans heavily Republican. This conservative leadership extends to statewide offices and even our two U.S. Senators.

Looking ahead, all constitutional offices in Alabama are set for elections in 2026. Next year, voters will have their say on 140 state legislative positions, including important roles like the Governor, Attorney General, and others, along with Senator Tommy Tuberville.

The Supreme Court will also see two seats up for grabs in the upcoming elections, with Justices Greg Shaw and Brad Mendheim both seeking re-election. Both have established themselves as competent, pro-business conservative jurists. Honestly, they seem so well-qualified that it’s hard to imagine them facing serious opposition.

Judge Brad Mendheim is looking to secure his second six-year term. Having grown up in Dothan, he’s a familiar face—his father’s a local pharmacist, and he quickly advanced in the judicial system, spending a decade as a circuit judge. He’s quite respected in his hometown, where he’s also a member of the first Baptist Church. At just 56, he’s positioned to be a significant figure on the Supreme Court for many years to come.

As for Judge Greg Shaw, he’s running for a fourth term on the bench and has devoted 40 years to legal appeals in Alabama. He previously served as a staff attorney and has extensive judicial experience. It’s impressive—24 years in various judicial roles, really. He and his wife, Samantha “Sam” Shaw, who is currently the state auditor and recently won a second term, seem to embody the best of Alabama—steady, hardworking, and low-key.

The Shaws have been married for 45 years and met during their time at Auburn University. Greg later attended Cumberland Law School and started his career at the Supreme Court shortly after graduation. The couple has two sons; one is a graduate of West Point and the other from Georgia Tech, both in engineering fields.

Both Greg and Sam hail from Jefferson County, with Sam growing up in Homewood while Greg spent his childhood in Birmingham’s Lowback area. They have a farm in Tallapoosa County, with an additional place to be close to their grandchildren.

Interestingly, Greg is also a master beekeeper—a hobby he enjoys. Together, Greg and Sam cherish their family life, farm, and beekeeping pursuits.

At 67, Greg is nearing the end of his judicial career, as state law prohibits judges from running for office past the age of 70. So, this will be his last term, which feels significant.

Thankfully, it looks like Alabama will benefit from having Greg Shaw as a stable, conservative presence on the Supreme Court for the next seven and a half years.

Catch you next week.